Trends for forecasting the potential of IVHS were chosen, assessed, and prioritized based on their social, technological, environmental, economic, and political significance. The five trends used in this futures study included the efficiency of highway systems, law enforcement role modification, tort liability and litigation, competition for IVHS funding, and IVHS development costs. Five probable events most important to the issue were selected: cost- effective IVHS developed, Federal Government legislated mandatory IVHS standards, Federal legislation funds development of IVHS systems, computer malfunction contributed to major traffic collision, and class action suit filed for vehicle monitoring. To capitalize on the emerging IVHS technology, this author recommended several courses of action for the California Highway Patrol: to join the State Department of Transportation to develop IVHS systems on State highways, enact a master plan for IVHS development, and engage police agencies and sheriff's departments in adopting IVHS acquisition plans. Other chapters presented a strategic plan for the Highway Patrol to achieve its mission to reduce traffic-related injuries and deaths as well as a transition management plan. 10 figures, 6 tables, 9 notes, 37 references, and 4 appendixes