FMCSA: Autonomous Trucks Still Subject to HOS Rules

Getting beyond level 4(driver at controls supervising computers) to completely autonomous level 5, (no driver in cab) is the leap that will not happen anytime soon.
So let's say you are the "supervisor" in a level 4 truck, just sitting there bored out of your mind, but supposedly ready to take the controls at any moment. How alert are you going to be? The analogy is a pilot in an aircraft with the auto pilot on. The analogy fails because there are miles between aircraft, not a few feet like a typical traffic situation. Watch for level 4 autonomous trucks to be used improperly, systems engaged when conditions are not right for them, bad weather, heavy traffic to cause even more crashes.
And the insurance companies are not going to be impressed with the liability involved.

 

Seriously.... they are going to fine the truck’s computer for not going to the sleeper? Whoever it is at FMCSA that comes up with some of this crap needs to lay off the meth.

 

I know I am getting old and slow but why do you need a driver in a self driving truck?

 

Confused? Tired? Ready to chuck it all? Welcome to the club. But this graphic will explain. These terms get thrown around incorrectly most of the time.

 

You did not read between lines.
FMCSA ASKED FOR MORE MONEY to allow self driving trucks not to follow HOs rules...

 

Specifically the scapegoat, err the safety engineer, is still subject to the same HOS as every other driver. I.E. 11 hours driving in a 14 hour window.

 

So, how do companies that are going to start platooning plan on fueling or stopping for the night? Companies are going to have to build terminals every couple of hundred miles to accommodate them.

 

It will be like the double and triple breakdown areas off of the toll roads.