The answer is an easy one if you look at the lives and productivity lost in the U.S. each year to traffic congestion and accidents. Traffic accidents claim the lives of 40,000 people in the United States each year. Couple that with 5 million injuries from accidents, and you're talking about an incredible number of dead and injured.
Traffic congestion is a problem for anyone who ventures out of their home.
Battelle has been assisting the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration in developing Intelligent Transportation Systems that will save lives and alleviate congestion, which will in turn increase U.S. productivity. Vehicles would be programmed automatically before entering the freeway. The driver would then relax while his or her car automatically followed a predetermined route. Automatic tolling booths. Cars will no longer stop at toll booths.