Abstract
COMPANION is a roadside warning and information system for inter-city roads. Electric roadside posts are linked together by electrical wiring and connected to a traffic management center. This new telematic system complements existing monitoring and traffic-signal systems. The roadside posts emit yellow or red light signals to indicate, within a matter of seconds, that there are hazards such as accidents, tailbacks, fog or black ice ahead. Short-range communication between vehicle and roadside posts will permit the transmission of vehicle data and therefore open up new scope for the collection of traffic data and traffic management. (A)