Nissan is experimenting with a new technology called Cooperative Congestion Management (CCM), developed in collaboration with the University of California and the Contra Costa Transportation Authority.
The project takes an innovative approach to reducing traffic jams by enabling cars to “communicate” with one another.
Traffic in big cities often builds up because of a domino effect: when one driver brakes suddenly, the cars behind also slow down, creating a chain reaction that can stretch for kilometers. This problem is made worse when vehicles travel too closely together.
Nissan’s solution is simple but ambitious: instead of each driver reacting individually, what if connected cars could coordinate their speed and maintain a smooth, uniform flow of traffic? That’s the goal behind CCM — reducing congestion through synchronized driving.
How the CCM system works
According to Nissan, the idea behind Cooperative Congestion Management (CCM) is straightforward but highly effective. Instead of each car reacting individually to sudden braking ahead, CCM synchronizes vehicle speeds so that traffic flows at a steadier, more uniform pace.
To achieve this, a test vehicle collects data on road conditions and traffic flow, then shares it with other connected cars within a range of up to 60 seconds ahead. With this information, vehicles can adjust their speed gradually, reducing the need for abrupt braking.
Early trials on a California highway delivered impressive results: cars equipped with the system recorded 85% fewer sudden stops and experienced a 70% reduction in travel time during congestion.
Beyond improving traffic flow, CCM also shows potential for reducing rear-end collisions, a common risk in stop-and-go traffic. Nissan, however, highlights that while the technology is promising, the human element remains crucial — drivers must still engage responsibly for CCM to deliver its full benefits.
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