Long haul and short haul truckers have been driving across countries and states since the early decades. It has its advantage depending on the company - healthcare, insurance, hefty salary and benefits. It also has its downside, especially for long haul truckers. Because long haul trucking requires long hours of driving, to make their deadlines truckers often drive through out the night. Which often leads to no sleep for these workers or falling asleep on the wheel.
Which is why self driving trucks will become the revolutionary driving method in Europe. A Youtube video shows a platoon of "smart" trucks humming on the highway. These semi-automated smart trucks are now ready for driving and experimentation. Located in Rotterdam's harbour, Europe's manufacturers hope to revolutionize road transportation in the continent. Eric Jonnaert, president of the umbrella body representing DAF, Daimler, IVECO, MAN, Scania and Volvo has made the announcement yesterday with more than a dozen self-driving trucks ready, as told by StraitsTimes.
"Truck platooning will ensure cleaner and more efficient transport. Self-driving vehicles also contribute to road safety because most accidents are caused by human failure," said Dutch Minister Melanie Schultz van Haegen. These trucks are connected via a wireless network and they are programmed to hit on the brakes at the same time to always maintain their distance. Jonnaert goes on to say that the advantage of this technology means that trucks are driving at a consistent speed.
The technology is welcomed by the industry but there are challenges with regards to standardizing self-driving vehicles in Europe. Jonnaert still believes it is a positive step in the automotive industry.
It is unclear how it will impact the drivers in the long-haul trucking industry. But this technology has already hit the United States - self-driving cars are being tested out. It will only be a matter of time when self-driving transportation will become a reality in the world.
