VEHICLE-TO-INFRASTRUCTURE (V2I) COMMUNICATION AND TRAFFIC INCIDENT REDUCTION: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY ACROSS U.S. HIGHWAY NETWORKS

Abstract

Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) communication has emerged as a critical component of intelligent transportation systems designed to enhance roadway safety, operational efficiency, and real-time decision-making across highway networks. This empirical study examines the extent to which V2I-enabled information exchange—particularly involving roadside units, traffic management centers, and connected vehicle systems—contributes to measurable reductions in traffic incidents across major U.S. highways. Drawing on multi-state datasets that integrate incident logs, roadway sensor feeds, and V2I communication records, the analysis assesses correlations between V2I deployment density and decreases in crash frequency, severity, and secondary collisions. Advanced statistical modeling and spatiotemporal analysis reveal that highways with mature V2I infrastructure experience significantly improved driver hazard awareness, reduced response lag for incident management teams, and smoother traffic flow patterns under high-volume conditions. Additionally, the findings highlight regional disparities in V2I effectiveness influenced by infrastructure investment levels, network design, and operational integration with legacy systems. The study contributes to the growing body of empirical evidence demonstrating the tangible safety benefits of connected transportation ecosystems and underscores the importance of policy alignment, sustained infrastructure funding, and interoperable communication standards for maximizing V2I’s impact on national roadway safety outcomes. Beyond its empirical contributions, this study reinforces growing national and international evidence supporting the safety benefits of connected transportation ecosystems. It highlights the critical need for continued infrastructure funding, harmonized policy frameworks, and interoperable communication standards to ensure that V2I technologies operate cohesively across jurisdictions and platforms. Ultimately, the expanded insights offered here illustrate how robust V2I deployment not only mitigates crash risks but also strengthens the overall resilience and efficiency of the transportation network, positioning connected vehicle technologies as an essential component of future roadway safety strategies.