PLATOONING: FASTER, SAFER AND ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY ROAD TRANSPORT

PLATOONING: FASTER, SAFER AND ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY ROAD TRANSPORT

How can we make road transport faster, safer and more environmentally friendly? An experiment based on technological innovation is platooning. Platooning could be a nice solution.

WHAT IS PLATOONING?

Truck platooning means one truck is steered by a single driver at the front of a convoy of digitally connected trucks. The first truck is responsible for the route and the speed, the other trucks follow the lead vehicle.

BENEFITS?

Because trucks will drive closer to each other, it will increase the road capacity and create less traffic jams. And very important: it will also lower the fuel consumption and carbon footprint. The trucks will be guided automatically which significantly reduces the chance of having an accident.

Another benefit is that the productivity of drivers will be upgraded because they could spent their time more efficiently. In the beginning, each truck will still have a truck driver, meanwhile he could perform administrative tasks.

In short, truck platooning could make road transport more sustainable, efficient and safer. Read more about our vision on alternative road solutions in our blog: “The answer to road congestion is awareness and flexibility.”

STILL A WAY TO GO

Before platooning can be implemented in Europe, there is still a way to go. At this moment the road infrastructures are not adapted. Imagine platooning vehicles entering an intersection and the light turns red in the middle of the row. This leads us to the legal framework that isn’t finished yet. Till now there is no computer system in the world completely “hacking proof”.

On the other hand, it is crucial to evaluate how other road users interact with platooning trucks in real traffic conditions. For example, it could be difficult for other road users to outpace a long row of platooning vehicles. Moreover, a good education and special license are required to change the mindset of the truck drivers because it can be difficult to experience that they’re no longer in control.

CONCLUSION

Currently tests are running to verify where adaptations are still needed. Developers believe that within 10 years we will see platooning vehicles drive on our roads. We are looking forward to the day that platooning is implemented.. It would give the economy more recourses to develop and invest in our future.

More interesting innovations and tends in transportation? Download the infographic with the results from our survey.

 

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