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NAHSC: Demo '97 Opening Premiers Highway of the Future

7 August 1997

NAHSC: Demo '97 Opening Premiers Highway of the Future

        Elected Officials, Transportation Leaders Get First Glimpse of
                    Automated Highway System Technologies

    SAN DIEGO, Aug. 7 -- The National Automated Highway System
Consortium (NAHSC) today kicked off Demo '97, a full-scale, multi-vehicle
demonstration of automated highway system (AHS) technologies from August 7-10
on a 7.6 mile stretch of I-15, north of San Diego.
    At the Demo '97 opening ceremony attended by over 500 elected officials,
international dignitaries, corporate executives, and leaders from the
transportation community, NAHSC Program Manager Dr. James Rillings told
attendees that Demo '97 is an opportunity to gain a first-hand understanding
of AHS' potential for addressing America's near- and long-term transportation
challenges.
    "We're very excited about showing the world how close smart cars and smart
highways are to everyday use," said Rillings.  "The fact is that many AHS
technologies are 'road ready' today.  Demo '97 will show exactly how these
advances will work to improve safety and relieve congestion, and reveal how
soon they can benefit the general public."
    Highlighting the opening ceremony was an inaugural test ride by U.S.
Congressman Ron Packard (R-CA 48), who took the opportunity to address the
importance of America's investment in AHS technology to make the nation's
roadways safer and more efficient.
    "This state-of-the-art demonstration of the automated highway is very
exciting, and I am thrilled to be a part of making our highways more
intelligent and drivers smarter," said Packard. "We have reached a milestone
today, but this is just the beginning."
    U.S. Secretary of Transportation Rodney Slater took a test ride on the AHS
lanes on Saturday, August 2, and was also impressed with his first glimpse at
AHS technologies and their potential for near-term benefits.
    "Even now, the investments we have made in the automated highway are
providing dividends," said Slater.  "The technologies developed by the
Consortium are real and can be enjoyed as we purchase cars over the next
decade."

SOURCE  National Automated Highway System Consortium