SmartWeb project to use P2P networks to keep drivers informed

Intelligent roadways are nothing new, as we've seen project after project (and even countries) look at varying ways to keep drivers informed whilst cruising about, but a new rendition showcased at CeBIT is looking to utilize P2P networking in order to spread pertinent information about road hazards to drivers behind the mishap. SmartWeb, which is being coordinated by the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence along with a myriad of other corporations, would allow vehicles to detect hazards (such as an oil slick or road block) and pass the information on to surrounding vehicles in order to hopefully prevent accidents and give motorists ample time to locate a detour. This doesn't mark the first time P2P has been used for the betterment of mankind, and the data would reportedly be conveyed via a "dashboard screen or through a mobile handset," potentially adding yet another distraction to overload our brains while trying to remain between the blinking yellow lines. Of course, those of you with real-time traffic updates are already on top of the game, but we could definitely see this technology being marketable to thrill-seeking cops looking to pinpoint information feeds coming from speeding criminals.

[blue @ Mar 19th 2007 8:31AM]

well uhm... did anyone think about security? i mean, authentification, decryption or whatever security measures build in will be broken in no time and script kiddies will be causing major mayham.

[blue @ Mar 19th 2007 8:34AM]

i meant encryption and forgot signatures and stuff... you know the rest

[aaron @ Mar 19th 2007 10:51AM]

while people are driving, talking on the phone, applying make up (or shaving for the guys), changing the radio station, and changing lanes without signaling and speeding, what the hell makes these people think that they are actually going to pay attention to something else? plenty of warning/regulatory signs are already in place. what about those? well, they usually end up mowed over by some jack ass who was too busy rubber necking the previously mentioned individual who got pulled over.

[Blacknell @ Mar 19th 2007 12:57PM]

Cory Doctorow's Eastern Standard Tribe, anyone?

[Blacknell @ Mar 19th 2007 12:58PM]

Ah, no html, it seems. Link here - http://craphound.com/est/?p=402