New York to be main testing ground for smart device that warns of traffic dangers, congestion

The U.S. secretary of transportation says New York City will be the main testing ground for a smart device installed in vehicles to warn motorists of impending dangers and congestion.

Secretary Anthony Foxx said Monday the city will receive up to $20 million to develop the Connected Vehicle Technologies.

As many as 10,000 cars, buses and trucks are to be retrofitted with the sensory devices by 2017. Traffic lights at key intersections will beam information to motorists, also helping to keep pedestrians safe.

The pilot program's focus is midtown Manhattan, one of the nation's most congested traffic areas. The system also will be tested in Tampa, Florida, and around Wyoming.

Foxx was joined by the city's top transportation officials at the center that controls the city's traffic lights.