Listener discusses USDOT V2X tech; Charlie reflects on back-to-school season.

What this episode covers

Charlie James: Welcome back to the program. Let me go to Scott in Greenville. How are you doing, Scott? Scott: Hey Charlie, I'm doing great. Hope you are as well. I'd like to take a step back to the previous segment. I was driving earlier and couldn't get to my computer to talk to you. I'm currently looking at the U.S. Department of Transportation website. Anyone can look this up on their own. I know you don't like people reading at length on the air, so I'll keep this brief. Going back to your conversation about Flock cameras—are you familiar with the Department of Transportation's V2X initiative? Charlie James: No, I'm not. Scott: As part of its initiative to reduce roadway fatalities and injuries, the USDOT announced a plan to accelerate "Vehicle-to-Everything" (V2X) deployment. This initiative aims to implement connected vehicle technologies across the nation. In short, they want manufacturers to put transmitters in all vehicles so they can interact with surrounding infrastructure—like sensors in the road that alert vehicles to accidents ahead. But think about the scope: they are explicitly describing "vehicle-to-everything" tracking. Compared to that, Flock cameras are just a minor blip. Charlie James: Compared to what's coming, you mean? Scott: Exactly. So with all the current buzz about Flock cameras, why isn't anyone talking about this? Is no one paying attention? Charlie James: This is the first time I'm hearing about it. Scott: You don't have to take my word for it. It's right there on the official site—the V2X initiative for road safety, announced back in August 2024. I haven't heard any political leaders address stopping this program yet, and to me, it's pretty concerning. Charlie James: It really is. We're being surveyed in ways we never could have imagined. I'll definitely look deeper into that, Scott. Thanks for calling. Things certainly are different these days. I remember growing up, we didn't go back to school until after Labor Day weekend. The Jerry Lewis Telethon was the signal that summer was coming to an end. Now, school starts much earlier. Greenville County—the largest district in the state with around 78,000 students—starts tomorrow. Because polls open tomorrow for the primary election, some traditional voting locations at local schools might be affected. Before you head out to vote, make sure to visit scvotes.gov to confirm your exact polling location so you don't end up at the wrong building. Beyond the logistical shift, tomorrow is a major emotional milestone for many families. While some parents joke about the relief of sending kids back to class, for those dropping off a child for their very first day of kindergarten or school, it represents a poignant transition—watching a young child step out into the broader world, make new friends, and begin their independent journey.

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