Honda pioneers new traffic-busting technology

In conjunction with the Research Centre for Advanced Science and Technology at the University of Tokyo, Honda reportedly developed the world's first technology to detect the potential for traffic congestion. It's based on acceleration and deceleration patterns, and ultimately improves driving habits in an effort to reduce traffic jams and fuel consumption.

Here's how it works: The system monitors throttle and brake pedal input to determine whether the driver's driving pattern is likely to create traffic congestion. It then provides the appropriate information, such as the ideal speed that will prevent or minimize congestion.

Moreover, the system can activate the adaptive cruise control system to maintain a constant distance between vehicles at the most appropriate interval, Honda says.

So far, the test results show an increase in average speed by approximately 23%, and improved fuel efficiency by approximately 8%. The automaker will begin the first public-road testing of the technology in Italy and Indonesia in May and July of this year in order to evaluate just how effective it really is.

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