Ever attempted a lane change only to suddenly see a motorcycle you had no idea was there using the lane?
A group known as the Connected Motorcycle Consortium representing major motorcycle manufacturers wants to make such situations a thing of the past, using technology like car-to-motorcycle communication systems. It recently held an event at Germany's Lausitzring racetrack where a system developed by Ducati and several suppliers was demonstrated. Fellow Volkswagen Group brand Lamborghini was also involved in the testing.
The three leading situations that were identified include intersections with reduced visibility and a lack of traffic lights; unprotected left turns with the car and motorcycles traveling in opposing directions; and a more specific unprotected left turn situation where a motorcycle may want to overtake a large vehicle like a truck down the center of the road but is unaware that a car ahead is about to make a left turn.