Authorities say technology will prevent accidents, reduce travel time and save on fuel costs

As cars become smarter, states believe they need to make their roads just as intelligent. Transit planners say'smart roads' will prevent accidents from happening, cut down on travel time and help drivers save fuel. Although a few miles of highway in the US have new technology, states need to learn how roads can communicate with self-driving cars from different makers, as there is no standard on how cars receive data. Transit planners say'smart roads' are key for drivers to get the most from their self-driving cars, like Google's (pictured), as this technology would prevent accidents from happening, cut down on travel and save fuel Driverless cars have been taught to drive more like human motorists in an attempt to help them recognize and respond to risks on the road. And many car makers say their self-driving cars will be safer than those with people behind the wheel and will reduce the 35,000 lives lost to traffic accidents each year, reports The Wall Street Journal. However, for autonomous vehicle owners to fully experience the capabilities of their machines, the roads have to learn a few tricks themselves.