NC State study finds self-driving cars can make traffic slower

But a new study finds automated vehicles can actually slow down traffic. Ali Hajbabaie is the author of that study and an associate professor in the Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering at NC State. So, these cars are equipped with sensors so that they can see and perceive the environment — other cars, lane marking, traffic control signs, pedestrians and so forth. North Carolina State University Ali Hajbabaie is an associate professor in the Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering at NC State. Hajbabaie: So, connectivity is technology that allows cars to communicate with other cars, with traffic control devices and also with other system users, such as pedestrians.