Honda Tests App Designed to Reduce Traffic Congestion
Honda has been busy conducting real-world testing of new traffic congestion minimization technology in Indonesia for the past few months, using something as simple as a smartphone app.
The Japanese automaker believes it has developed an effective tool in delaying the development of congestion while improving fuel efficiency by more than 20 percent. The testing took place on a toll road between Ulujami and Pondok Ranji in Jakarta from September 2012 to February 2013.
To minimize congestion, Honda believes that the driver of each vehicle needs to adjust their driving behavior to the surrounding vehicles. The automaker developed a smartphone app that changes colors based on whether or not the driver is aligned with other drivers surrounding them. Essentially, the app monitors the pattern of acceleration and deceleration and determines if that pattern is likely to create traffic congestion. If so, it provides support to align the driver’s habits to the surrounding vehicles.
SEE ALSO: Honda Targets Zero Collision Goal Through New Safety Tech
Honda hopes to use this technology in future vehicles to help realize a congestion-free mobility society. New functions will employ an onboard device to provide users with information about possible congested areas based on the actual amount of traffic and driving patterns.
GALLERY: Honda Congestion Minimization Technology
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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Pretty impressive stuff from Honda