Upzoned Podcast Episode Summary

Title: Can Vehicle to Everything (V2X) Technology Make Streets Safer? Release Date: October 9, 2024 Hosts: Abby Newsham and Edward Erfert Guests: Edward Erfert, Director of Community Action at Strong Towns

Introduction

In this episode of Upzoned, hosted by Abby Newsham of Strong Towns, Abby is joined by Edward Erfert, the Director of Community Action at Strong Towns. Together, they delve into the recent proposal by the U.S. Department of Transportation to deploy Vehicle to Everything (V2X) technology across 75% of the nation's intersections over the next decade. The discussion critically examines the feasibility, effectiveness, and alignment of V2X with Strong Towns' principles for creating safer and more walkable communities.

Understanding V2X Technology

V2X is a wireless communication technology that allows vehicles to exchange data regarding speed, location, road conditions, and other pertinent information. Although the technology has been around for decades, widespread adoption has lagged due to infrastructural and economic barriers.

Key Points:

• V2X supplements existing vehicle cameras and sensors.
• It enables communication between vehicles and traffic infrastructure.
• Potential benefits include increased awareness of pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles, as well as prioritizing certain vehicles like heavy trucks to reduce pollution and idling.

Notable Quote: Abby Newsham (00:45): "This is the first time you and I have been on it. I bumped in a couple of times, I think, when you and Chuck were on it. So, kind of excited to have the space with just us today."

Implementation Challenges of V2X

Edward Erfert raises significant concerns regarding the practicality and scalability of V2X technology:

1. Adoption Rate:

   • For V2X to be effective, approximately 70% of vehicles on the road must be equipped with the technology to achieve a 50% communication effectiveness rate (07:58).
   • Current vehicle fleets largely lack V2X, creating a "chicken or egg" dilemma where manufacturers see little incentive to integrate V2X without substantial infrastructural support.

2. Cost and Infrastructure:

   • The national deployment plan's cost remains undisclosed, but initial grants amounting to over $200 million are allocated to just three cities for pilot projects (07:58).
   • Implementing V2X across all intersections requires extensive investment in both vehicle upgrades and public infrastructure, posing a significant financial burden.

3. Technological Reliability and Security:

   • V2X systems are highly complex and susceptible to failures or hacks, potentially leading to increased risks rather than mitigating them (47:59).
   • Dependence on wireless communication and 5G networks introduces vulnerabilities, including potential system collapses during power outages or cyber-attacks (43:23).

Notable Quote: Edward Erfert (11:41): "This is a very top down approach that doesn't really align with what we would be advocating for as the first thing we would do to help prevent crashes and save lives."

Strong Towns' Critique of V2X

Strong Towns emphasizes a community-centric approach over large-scale technological interventions. Edward articulates several reasons why V2X may not align with their philosophy:

1. Top-Down vs. Bottom-Up Approach:

   • V2X represents a top-down solution requiring massive federal investment and regulatory support, whereas Strong Towns advocates for grassroots, low-cost interventions like paint and cones to improve street safety (14:18).

2. Focus on Physical Infrastructure:

   • Strong Towns prioritizes physical changes to the built environment, such as reducing lane widths and increasing intersection density to enhance walkability and safety (16:18).
   • They argue that addressing fundamental design flaws can yield immediate safety improvements without the delays and uncertainties associated with technology deployment.

3. Unintended Consequences:

   • Large-scale technological implementations can lead to overlooked design flaws and unintended safety issues, as seen in past infrastructure projects (38:00).
   • V2X may inadvertently prioritize vehicle efficiency over pedestrian and cyclist safety, potentially increasing risky behaviors like speeding (16:18).

Notable Quotes:

• Edward Erfert (22:00): "We have things we could do today before trying to moonshot around the universe to solve this in a very complicated way."
• Edward Erfert (36:25): "This technology doesn't make better communities. It doesn't bring us together as humans in an urban habitat at all."

Alternatives to V2X for Enhanced Street Safety

Strong Towns proposes several practical, cost-effective alternatives to V2X for improving street safety and walkability:

1. Crash Analysis Studios:

   • By reviewing and understanding the contributing factors to crashes, cities can implement targeted interventions that address root causes rather than relying on technology (18:10).

2. Community Engagement and Iterative Testing:

   • Implementing simple, tangible changes like cones, straw bales, and painted markings allows for immediate testing and feedback, fostering community involvement and quick adjustments (33:02).

3. Focus on Speed Reduction:

   • Lowering vehicle speeds in urban areas is highlighted as a primary factor in reducing fatalities and serious injuries, achievable through design modifications rather than technological solutions (16:18).

4. Empowering Local Governments:

   • Encouraging local authorities to take actionable steps without awaiting federal grants or technological advancements ensures more responsive and adaptable safety measures (22:00).

Notable Quotes:

• Edward Erfert (25:11): "We have got to do the hard work. We've got to go out and we've got to, you know, eat the right foods. We've got to go and do a little bit of exercise."
• Edward Erfert (37:45): "This type of technology is coming from the top down. This is a standard that will be nationalized."

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a firm stance against over-reliance on emerging technologies like V2X for street safety. Abby and Edward advocate for immediate, community-driven actions that address the physical and behavioral aspects of road safety. They caution against the allure of "moonshot" projects that promise high-tech solutions without guaranteeing effective, widespread implementation. Strong Towns emphasizes the importance of pragmatic, low-cost interventions that empower communities to create safer, more walkable environments without waiting for technological advancements.

Final Notable Quote: Edward Erfert (40:49): "This is something we could do right now. And as you do that, unlike a technology, which you're relying on a far off thinking on this, this idea of diet and exercise, when you're at a community level, people start saying, we want safer streets."

This comprehensive discussion sheds light on the complexities of integrating advanced technologies like V2X into urban infrastructure and underscores the value of community-focused, practical approaches advocated by Strong Towns for fostering safer and more livable cities.