Thousands of New Yorkers will get to test a smart device installed in their vehicles to warn them of impending dangers and congestion.
US Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx says New York City will receive up to $US20 million ($A28.24 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 America's most congested traffic areas. The system also will be tested in Tampa, Florida, and around Wyoming.
