Toyota and Lexus want to advance the concept of vehicles that “talk” to each other and the surrounding environment.

To help facilitate such a plan both companies are aiming to start deployment of Dedicated Short-Range Communications (DSRC) systems on vehicles sold in the U.S. starting in 2021, with the goal of adoption across most of its lineup by the mid-2020s.

Toyota and Lexus plans to introduce DSRC represent a significant step forward in creating a safer and more efficient driving ecosystem while advancing connected and automated technology deployment.

“By allowing vehicles’ intelligent systems to collaborate more broadly and effectively through DSRC technology, we can help drivers realize a future with zero fatalities from crashes, better traffic flow and less congestion,” said Jim Lentz, CEO of Toyota Motor North America (TMNA).

DSRC transmissions enable vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communications—collectively known as V2X. DSRC technology, which has been comprehensively tested through government-industry collaborations and is already deployed in some areas of the U.S., supports the broadcast of precise anonymized vehicle information several times per second, including location, speed and acceleration.

This information can be used by other DSRC-enabled vehicles and devices to help drivers prevent collisions.  Communication can also be enabled to provide helpful real-time information to drivers, such as potential hazards, slow or stopped vehicles ahead, or signals, signs, and road conditions that may be difficult to see.