It might begin very soon

[4x4ord]

Click

[rlw999]

Terryallan wrote:
What happens when the road isn't where it is supposed to be? Like in a construction zone where the road was moved over a few feet. I know. The car runs into the guard rail. Seen it happen.

Automated vehicles don't blindly follow a pre-mapped route down to the foot, they have cameras, radar and lidar to help them see.

[Grit_dog]

kellem wrote:
Awesome! Finally a vehicle that I can drink and ride.....and even text.

That's what I was thinking!
Every time I'm on a road trip and pass a car hauler with an empty slot, I think how awesome it would be to pull up on it, drain a 6er, take a nap and wake up at my destination! I'd even pitch in for gas!

[bukhrn]

"I hope that transportation regulations require those trucks to be clearly marked - including distinctive night lighting - so that the rest of us can stay well away from them on the highways".

X-2, This old man doesn't want to be anywhere near one when Murphy's Law takes over.

[kellem]

Awesome! Finally a vehicle that I can drink and ride.....and even text.

[Lynnmor]

Just follow the money, the toll roads can stack trucks just a few feet apart while running at full speed, that will maximize the tolls without adding additional lane miles.

[Terryallan]

What happens when the road isn't where it is supposed to be? Like in a construction zone where the road was moved over a few feet. I know. The car runs into the guard rail. Seen it happen.

[valhalla360]

free radical wrote:

4x4ord wrote:
Click

I doubt it will ever be legal not to have human driver on board to take control just in case.

Self driving buses
https://youtu.be/Ci4ekhVSbEI

If the politicians add silly rules, they already have a solution...as a truck driver (rider?) you will be doing data entry or working a call center as you roll down the road.

[valhalla360]

Bird Freak wrote:
How will they refuel?

Truck stops I would expect.

$10 to pay a truck stop employee to work the nozzle will still be far more cost effective than paying a driver for an 8-12hr shift. Plus as soon as the tanks are full, it's on the road making miles, not in the dinner chowing down.

[valhalla360]

pnichols wrote:
Scarry is right!!

Imagine how full of integrated circuits, complex mechanical components, and communications equipment (for Internet and/or satellite connectivity) ... those trucks will be full of. All of tlhat can, and will, fail here and there over time.

I hope that transportation regulations require those trucks to be clearly marked - including distinctive night lighting - so that the rest of us can stay well away from them on the highways.

P.S. Maybe I spent too many years working in the integrated circuits industry and too many hours watching those cable reality shows about big rig accident disasters in Alaska - most which have nothing to do with human error - but can be blamed on 80,000 lbs. of freight inter-acting with the laws of physics.

I'll take the rare risk of a circuit board failure over a drive hopped up on speed to put a few more hours in.

People act as if human drivers never make mistakes.

[blt2ski]

How many trains are running around seattle on remote control, no drivers. Granted usually going less than 25mph......but heavier, creating more potential damage......
Probably not a big deal, then again........

marty

[4x4ord]

I think it is more likely that I will fall asleep at the wheel than my autonomous car will malfunction. Even though I love driving I think I will appreciate the new technology when it becomes affordable. Even now I use the lane keeping assist technology.... my wife on the other hand won’t turn it on.

[Vw_triker]

Just thinking about those maxx?? Jet airplanes that had programing issues

[rlw999]

QCMan wrote:
Typically, the biggest cost in trucking is fuel followed very closely by insurance. Driver cost is nowhere near either of them. I would imagine insurance will leap to first place and leave fuel in the dust. That will surely drive the cost of shipping down. Everyone will want a very expensive cab that can't make enough to pay the bills. I am sure the average less than ten rig company will want to jump on that bandwagon. It will get them out of the rut of just making ends meet.

This breakdown says fuel accounts for about 24% of the cost per mile versus 43% for driver + benefits. Insurance is just 5%.

[JIMNLIN]

Oh Lordy...no driver behind A 40 ton OTR rig. If that ain't bad enough we may have 18 year old operating the rig behind it.

I was 18 once..... and I've driven with a Chauffeur license....then a commercial Chauffeur license....then a CDL so I understand skills required.

[time2roll]

And I am thinking the insurance may drop in half very quickly. Some fuel savings should happen immediately as these trucks start to slow down. No need to make time to earn more wage per hour. All time would be regained for elimination of break periods. No need for two drivers to run equipment 24/7. With increased fuel you could run cross country in one swoop, never actually stopping. This would cut the cost of running a refer truck long distance.