Kapsch TrafficCom, a global supplier of road traffic telematic systems, products and services, will develop and demonstrate a 5.9 GHz DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communications) virtual, real-time commercial vehicle inspection system for potential use by the New York State Department of Transportation and the New York State Thruway Authority. The funding is being provided through a cost-shared research agreement with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).
The system will allow New York state enforcement agencies to conduct virtual truck inspections, i.e., evaluating the real-time safety of commercial vehicles at highway speeds. The key components are in-vehicle applications on a Kapsch 5.9 GHz DSRC aftermarket device.
The first of its kind virtual inspection system will be deployed at the Schodack Integrated Electronic Screening site on I-90 near Albany, New York and is expected to be operational in 2011. The system will validate driver licenses, the status of registration, credentials, weight and on-board safety systems including brakes, lights and tires of participating trucks. This project supports broader efforts that are part of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Wireless Roadside Inspection Program as well as many of the US Department of Transportation’s Connected Vehicle program goals.
When widely deployed, these real-time virtual inspections will improve industry operations by eliminating unnecessary weigh station stops, improving the environment by reducing emissions and fuel consumption caused by idling in inspection lines, as well as protecting the nation’s transportation infrastructure by assuring compliance with state truck weight requirements.