What is Vehicle-To-Pedestrian (V2P)?
One of the latest advanced technology initiatives, V2P communication is designed to allow direct communication
between pedestrians and vehicles. It is part of a larger program known as Vehicle to Everything (V2X) , and it is
aimed at reducing accidents and help ease traffic flow issues by informing you of potential hazards in real-time,
whether you are a driver or a pedestrian. It is one of the core technologies that the smart city concept requires to
achieve its goals, and is crucial in its ability to put the safety of both pedestrians and vehicle occupants on
equal footing.
What does V2P Mean?
It means Vehicle to Pedestrian, and is a communication technology that allows direct communication to drivers and
pedestrians, giving them real-time alerts about potential safety risks nearby. It is a significant advance in the
field of smart technology, leveraging telematics and
intelligent vehicle systems to build a safer
urban environment for all.
How Does V2P Communication Work?
V2P is built on wireless communication
protocols , leveraging Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and cellular networks to send
communications as needed. Pedestrians use either smartphones or wearable devices with V2P apps installed, which
allows them to both send and receive signals from V2X equipped vehicles in their vicinity.
While the connections themselves sound relatively simple, it is the content that is so important. Crucial safety
information, such as the speed and direction of an individual vehicle, can be sent to the pedestrian, while the
driver will receive similar location detail about the pedestrian, helping both to take action to avoid an incident.
Here is how that works in practice:
Step
Example
Technology Used
Outcome
Pedestrian Intent
A pedestrian plans to cross the street and enters the crosswalk.
Smartphone V2P App
Pedestrian makes their crossing intention known.
Signal Transmission
The pedestrian's smartphone sends a V2P signal to nearby vehicles.
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Cellular Networks
Communication established between pedestrian and vehicle.
Vehicle Alert
An approaching vehicle receives the signal and alerts the driver with a visual and audio warning.
Vehicle's V2X System
Driver is informed of the pedestrian's presence.
Preventive Action
The driver slows down or stops, allowing the pedestrian to cross safely.
Vehicle's Braking System
Collision is avoided, ensuring pedestrian safety.
This shows the system guiding a pedestrian as they seek to cross the road, and how it helps create a safer
environment for all parties using the system.
What is Included in V2P Technology?
There are a number of technologies within the V2P protocol designed to enhance pedestrian safety, these are:
Mobile Applications — Apps that you can install on your phone or other device as a pedestrian
that enhances your visibility to vehicles around you that have V2X capabilities.
Wearable Devices — These enhanced devices communicate with V2X systems to let you know when
there is a vehicle nearby.
In Car Systems — Systems in your car can analyze V2P data, alerting you to potential danger of
collision with pedestrians close by. This can be extremely useful in low visibility conditions such as poor
weather or low light.
Infrastructure Integration — V2P is an essential and integral component in the development of
the smart city concept. It is used in the integration of smart traffic
lights and crosswalks to create
automated management of pedestrian flow as real-time traffic data is collected.
Conclusion
For the smart city initiative to succeed, Vehicle to Pedestrian (V2P) systems are essential. While telematics and
intelligent cars are needed to enable real-time vehicle flow management solutions, V2P is needed for pedestrian
management too. This is at the heart of the smart city experience you are expecting, and why this technology
matters.
As V2P technology continues to develop, more sophisticated pedestrian safety and traffic flow solutions can be
implemented, improving your experience of the urban environment.