V2X Bridging Efficacy Analysis

Abstract

At the time of this writing, communication-based safety technology, known as CV2X, is receiving a great deal of attention and a number of CV2X-based safety systems have been developed. CV2X technology requires deployment of communication capability in vehicles and infrastructure installations on roadways. While several manufacturers have begun to equip new vehicles with communication technology, infrastructure installations are still on in pilot phases. Also at this time, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is considering whether to allow sharing of the communications band that is currently reserved for CV2X via Dedicated Short-Range Communication (DSRC), though a final proposed ruling has not been released. In addition to DSRC, other communication modes, such as 5G are being considered for the traffic safety use case. Because of the simultaneous development of different communication modes and because of the potential for DSRC-bandwidth-sharing, a Ford-UM Alliance project was funded to investigate safety benefits in the context of multiple-mode CV2X deployment. In addition, the crash data used here can help inform the conversation on interference potential for certain communication modes. Note that this project was not aimed at investigating or evaluating communication technology itself, but instead is about estimating safety benefits under a number of deployment scenarios. Specifically, the project was designed to estimate safety benefits of CV2X technology deployed at signalized intersections. This final report explores the relative benefits of single- mode Roadside Units (RSUs) vs. a Gateway device, which allows information to flow among multiple communication modes, and the benefits of having a sensor present as part of the infrastructure package or not. We present an optimal deployment strategy and assess benefits under a range of possible scenarios.