Reliable intersection protocols using vehicular networks

Autonomous driving will play an important role in the future of transportation. Various autonomous vehicles have been demonstrated at the DARPA Urban Challenge 3. General Motors has recently unveiled their Electrical-Networked Vehicles (EN-V) in Shanghai, China 5. One of the main challenges of autonomous driving in urban areas is transition through cross-roads and intersections. In addition to safety concerns, current intersection management technologies such as stop signs and traffic lights can introduce significant traffic delays even under light traffic conditions.