A pilot program which sought to test the real-world benefits of new truck platooning technology has been vetoed by Missouri Governor Jay Nixon who cited a recent fatal accident involving a Tesla car utilizing self-driving technology. The only problem is that critics say the two technologies are entirely different.
The accident Gov. Nixon referenced occurred when a Tesla driver using the “autopilot” feature didn’t react when the Tesla system apparently failed to detect a truck making a left turn in front of it at an intersection and the car drove straight ahead, colliding with the trailer and taking the Tesla driver’s life.
Initial reports suggest that the Tesla system’s sensors could not detect the trailer because its unmarked, bright white color caused it to blend completely with the bright sky overhead.
According to Gov. Nixon, the incident highlights the danger of automated driving technology and that testing it on Missouri’s highways could be a danger to the public. Whether or not that claim is true however, the platooning systems that would have been tested would not have utilized autonomous driving.
According to Richard Bishop, the chairman of a Technology & Maintenance Council task force on automated driving and platooning, the systems would only have linked two connected trucks so that they could share speed, acceleration, and braking data – all other controls including steering, navigation, and monitoring the road would still have been controlled by the professional driver.
“There are legitimate safety questions about autopilots and driver responsibility, but these questions don’t apply to truck platooning,” said Bishop in an interview with Heavy Duty Trucking. “While platooning, the driver experience is basically the same as with today’s adaptive cruise control systems, but at inter-vehicle distances of 50-100 feet.”
Current state laws require a distance between two trucks of at least 300 feet. Proponents of platooning technology claim that by allowing the two trucks to share information wirelessly, the near instantaneous reaction time of the technology would allow trucks following as close as 50 feet to still react safely to obstacles or changes in traffic. It is thought that the reduced follow distance would greatly enhance fuel economy and safety.
“The risks associated with automated vehicles are even greater considering the size of long-haul trucks and the catastrophic damage that could occur if the technology failed,” said Gov. Nixon. “Using Missouri highways as a testing ground for long-haul trucks to deploy this unproven technology is simply a risk not worth taking at this time.”
Source: truckinginfo, truckinginfo, truckinginfo, stltoday
Bo Hunt says
So then 4 wheelers or some CR England newbie sees these trucks dry humping going down the road and think it is safe for them to do the same. This is how fatalities happen.
Brian says
I don’t think you understand how the technology works…
Tom says
It’s only a matter of time before all trucks going down the interstate are linked like this with no driver. I suggest everyone start looking for a new profession now
Trucka T says
This is Trucking not NASCAR drafting. I can understand trying to save fuel but at the end of the day we drive big rigs that pull big loads which consumes fuel. Computer guided or not….. It’s not safe to slip stream another semi truck ever!
Donald W says
Like DOT rules..they will keep pushing it year after year after year untill they get it.
Tim says
Anyone who thinks they’re qualified to fill as high a position as state governor should first be required to pass some sort of knowledge/intelligence test before they’re granted such a privilege. The difference between platooning and what the Tesla driver did (the car wasn’t at fault in that accident—it was the driver’s fault for ignoring Tesla’s instructions on how to use the technology) is so obvious, you have to wonder what’s going on in Missouri these days when they elect someone like this to the governorship.
Thomas Mears says
Maximum length – 65 feet x 2 + 50 feet of space between the trucks = 180 feet that every 4 wheeler will try and pass and if they miscalculated the distance around this dangerous situation they the 4 wheeler (mom and four kids or high schooler and her phone) will pull into the 50 feet space between the trucks. Oh yea, I can see how this will work.
sudon't says
Platooning? There’s already a word for this. It’s called a convoy. This is just a technology-enhanced convoy.
Jason Kane says
I hope this never becomes a thing anyways. With the way four wheelers love to cut in front of trucks as it is now, how do they think it’s gonna be when they are trying to cut into an even smaller space?
Marcin says
One, smart Governor.