Computer-Equipped, Traffic-Wise Car Unveiled by State

Deukmejian Administration officials Wednesday unveiled the prototype of a computer-equipped car that they hope ultimately will be part of the solution to California’s traffic congestion problems.

Tests of the car will begin on the Santa Monica Freeway this summer and continue into 1991.

The experimental car shown here comes equipped with a dashboard-mounted console that displays an electronic map of Los Angeles city streets warning the driver of accidents and other congestion problems.

Idea Untested

At this point, the idea is untested and the equipment is not available to the public.

But officials say that some day motorists may be able to get in their cars in the morning, turn on the computer and immediately find the quickest route to work or other destinations. They said the devices, if mass produced, would probably cost several hundred dollars.

The $1.6-million project is part of the state’s attempt to develop high-tech traffic management techniques that can be used to ease congestion problems on California’s highways and freeways.

A so-called “smart corridor” is being developed along the Santa Monica Freeway to test some of the ideas.

The project using the computerized maps is being jointly financed by the California Department of Transportation, the Federal Highway Administration and General Motors Corp., which will supply the test cars.

25 Cars in Experiment

Officials said 25 cars specially equipped with the computer consoles will be used in the experiment.

Caltrans Director Robert K. Best said the console system is designed to help motorists “try to avoid problems rather than drive into and become part of the problem.”

Robert E. Farris, federal highway administrator, said development of high-tech systems is a recognition that the problem of gridlock “cannot be solved entirely by more asphalt and concrete.”