The technology informs a given car — and sometimes its occupants — of road conditions far beyond where the human eye (and the car’s own sensors) can see. Is traffic backing up? Is there black ice on the pavement? Did a pedestrian dart out into traffic? Car-to-X holds the promise of alerting trailing vehicles to dangers and inconveniences well in advance. Volvo’s system, jointly conceived with fellow Swedish company Ericsson, will be able to alert trailing vehicles equipped with its Car-to-X system of low-traction conditions reported by a Volvo’s onboard sensors for brakes, steering and accelerator via the car’s internet connection. The system will also detect and relay when hazard lights are illuminated. Additional capabilities are expected to come online as the tech matures.