SB 56: Autonomous Platooning Truck Technology

This bill passed unanimously through the House and Senate.

Driverless technology is already beginning to have a profound effect on the economy and trucking is no different. On long trips on the open road, fuel efficiency, spacing, brake use, and other factors are very important to turning a profit. Platooning trucks in a chain is one method that becomes significantly more efficient when automated technology is used.

Senate Bill 56, introduced by Senator Wayne Harper, takes this concept beyond the pilot phase to allow the trucking industry an exemption from current laws that would prevent truckers from using this automated technology to the fullest.

Platooning systems allow trucks to be connected via wireless connection while acceleration, deceleration, and braking become synchronized. This allows platooning trucks to follow each other closer, while taking advantage of aerodynamic effects.