The concept of “Talking” cars is soon to be a reality, the project is under development  by scientists from the University of Bologna.

These scientists have formulated software that allows cars “communicate” with one another on the road. Similar technology may have been applied previously, but scientists claim that this time the car would be able to know what had happened kilometers ahead.

Tests show that this technology can lower motorway accidents by 40%. The decrease in accidents emerged during computer simulations which were elaborated in a paper published in the journal Computer Networks.

Car maker Toyota will carry out the road tests of the software in August 2011 on the streets and motorways of Los Angeles.

While  telecommunications and informatics in cars has been in use for some time, the Italian researchers have added one more ingredient.

The ultimate intention is to link up all the cars on the road via WiFi, either by setting up a WiFi-enabled sensor in a car, or by downloading the software on to a smartphone.

The “talking” is caused through acceleration sensors inherent in the cars that transmit an alarm message in unnatural conditions such as when a vehicle is involved in a collision.

Team leader Professor Marco Roccetti said that the study could have a major impact on society – particularly “in terms of human lives and societal costs”.

This alarm could disperse down the chain of vehicles in a relay so they could safely stop a long way before they reach the accident spot.

If this project turns out to be a success, it could very well be a step closer towards the notion of “Smart Cities”, where everything is interconnected and computer-controlled, from traffic lights to the “talking” cars, thus reducing accidents and providing the drivers some much needed relief.