Nissan is testing a newly developed intelligent transportation system, which it is hoped will allow vehicle-to-infrastructure communication to reduce traffic accidents and ease congestion.

The test, slated to begin on 1 October and conclude in 2009, is in Kanagaw - 25km from Tokyo. Around 10,000 drivers, who must be subscribers to Nissan’s CARWINGS navigation service, are expected to participate.

The advanced road traffic system uses information obtained from nearby vehicles and roadside optical beacons to alert drivers to potential danger from approaching vehicles. The information is received by an onboard antenna on the vehicle, and the system uses the information to warn drivers when they are speeding in restricted zones. It also provides drivers with fastest-route information using "probe data" – information on the position and speed of vehicles obtained by wireless communications technology.

Based on the results of the test, Nissan is planning to implement its intelligent transportation system in Japan and then globally in the future as part of its efforts to help reduce traffic accidents and congestion. In Japan, Nissan has set a target of halving the number of traffic fatalities or serious injuries involving Nissan vehicles by 2015 compared with the 1995 level.

>> Nissan - Official website of Nissan