Study: Self-Driving Trucks Can Boost Work Zone Safety

A study conducted by the University of Missouri underscores the potential of using self-driving trucks as follower vehicles to enhance safety in highway work zones. Henry Brown, a research engineer at the university’s civil and environmental engineering department, presented the study’s findings to the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), highlighting the effectiveness of pairing manned leader vehicles with autonomous followers. The study emphasizes the risks faced by the last vehicle in mobile work zones and suggests that employing self-driving trucks equipped with crash cushions could significantly reduce worker injuries. Brown and his team surveyed other states regarding the use of autonomous work vehicles, revealing varying levels of interest and implementation. The “leader-follower” model, currently adopted by states like Missouri, Colorado, Rhode Island, and North Dakota, shows promise in improving work zone safety. However, legal considerations may hinder its widespread adoption. The study concludes that the leader-follower system has the potential to mitigate risks and enhance safety, whether by removing drivers from follower vehicles or allowing them to focus more effectively on the road.