This paper reports on the present state of the technical development of the COMPANION roadside warning and information system. This new system will be implemented in the year 1995. The system will be tested and evaluated on a motorway section near to the city of Munich. COMPANION aims at both the prevention of accidents and at the reduction of accident consequences by warning approaching drivers about incidents ahead via electronic guidemarkers able to emit yellow and red warning lights. The technical concept provides a bi-directional short-range communication between the guidemarkers and passing vehicles in the future. Therefore, the concept will open up a new scope for the collection of traffic data and traffic management. The COMPANION impacts on both traffic safety and on traffic flow will be assessed at the end of the field trial. (A)
Samenvatting