President Barack Obama is envisioning a time when cars will be able to talk with other cars or with America’s roads. He says such technology could prevent crashes, cut down on traffic and save gasoline.

Obama on Tuesday will visit a federal highway research center in northern Virginia. The White House says he will highlight partnerships between the Transportation Department, auto-makers and the University of Michigan. The groups are developing and testing vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications technology.

The trip is part of Obama’s push for Congress to shore up funding for highways and transportation. He says that’s key to keeping the U.S. competitive.

Obama wants a long-term commitment to keep money flowing to states. His administration has warned that the Highway Trust Fund will need help by early August.

(AP)