It all started before I even got out of bed! A message on my bedroom smart-wall warned me that a burst water main was slowing traffic, and suggested I spend the first few hours of the day working from home.

One word to the smart-wall informed my office and simultaneously alerted several other co-workers who take the same route into the city – and started my coffee-maker!

Later that morning when I entered my vehicle the dashboard display informed me that I had saved 250 ‘greenmile’ carbon credits by avoiding costly traffic delays and directed me onto a clear, swift route. Once I joined the highway, I sat back as the auto-pilot took over and began my video conference with colleagues around the world on our latest project. Driving sure ain’t what it used to be – and isn’t that a great thing?

Drivers still need to take control of their vehicles on minor roads outside the city and town limits. But on most roads, a network of high-speed sensors links vehicles, drivers, traffic systems and emergency services into a cooperative network.

Not that traffic police and emergency services are very busy these days – accidents and road rage are virtually a thing of the past.

In-car ‘apps’ that seamlessly update, link into traffic systems that employ sophisticated neural networks to plan ideal traffic flows. They even identify and book parking spaces for you.

Emergency situations such as potential collisions are identified and avoided ahead of time with automatic vehicle systems adjusting speeds and directions.

As a result, vehicles effectively drive themselves on marked routes. The ‘Vehicle Internet’ has made commuting a productive pleasure.