PTC-VANET Interactions to Prevent Highway Rail Intersection Crossing Accidents

Vehicular ad-hoc networks (VANETS) provide distributed real time communication of traffic hazards and road conditions among vehicles in a radio line of sight. We propose using VANETS to securely communicate with positive train control (PTC) systems in order to reduce highway rail intersection (HRI) incidents. This paper illustrates the similarities and differences between the two systems, discusses previous research into the work already done to integrate the two systems, and outlines the additional work necessary to successfully integrate the two systems.