A German research project showcased at the hi-tech trade fair CeBit envisions a P2P network for vehicles that would enable them to pass data among them. The systems is similar to SameLane's P2P traffic network, but the focus isn't socializing. SmartWeb's networking is aimed at spreading pertinent information about road hazards. Drivers would pass the information to surrounding vehicles and hopefully prevent accidents and give motorists ample time to locate a detour.

The system would spot dangers and jams using data from sensors fitted to cars, bikes and trucks, then convey the information to drivers via a dashboard screen or mobile phone headset. For example, a car would use environmental and wheel-traction data to sense oil spilled on the road, then warn the line of vehicles in the network approaching the patch of oil.

The system would also be smart enough to adjust the danger warnings so as not to distract the driver. For a motorcycle weaving through traffic and taking tight turns, the system would know not to use blaring alarms but a more subtle indication of danger ahead. Meanwhile, for a driver cruising at low speed along a straight road, the system might use visual cues on a dashboard screen as well as tell the driver about the problem via a headset. Drivers could also ask the SmartWeb system about traffic jams, speed traps, parking availability and other problems.