Louisiana joins states adopting changes for truck platoons

Providing authority to test driver-assistive truck platooning technology on highways continues to advance through statehouses from Louisiana to Pennsylvania. The concept uses a lead truck to control the speed and braking of following trucks.

Advocates say truck platooning will save fuel because of reduced aerodynamic drag, lessen traffic congestion, and improve highway safety. Some supporters acknowledge it will work best on relatively flat, divided highways outside of populated areas.

Critics question how automated vehicles and traditional vehicles will interact on roadways. Others doubt whether widespread use of the technology is realistic.

In addition, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center reports that Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations are likely to get in the way of automated technology.

During the past three years at least a dozen states have taken action to permit testing of autonomous trucks. The rule changes often require amendments to large vehicle following distance rules.

The first state to take action was Utah. The Beehive State acted earlier this year to approve a follow-up bill to exempt connected trucks from the state’s two-second rule for safe following distance.

The most recent state to act on the issue is Louisiana. The state’s Legislature has sent a bill to the governor’s desk that would revise state law that covers the minimum requirements for large vehicle following distances.

Louisiana law states that “a driver shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent.” Specific to trucking, the rule defines the distance as within 400 feet on a highway.

The bill, HB308, would permit platooning trucks to travel within the restricted distance between vehicles.

Addressing concerns on the chamber floor about what would happen if a vehicle merges in front of a platoon vehicle, Rep. Kenny Havard, R-St. Francisville, assured legislators the system is setup to disengage – much like cruise control – if the driver taps on the brake.

The proposed rule change would not apply to platoons operating on a two-lane highway.

In Michigan, a bill halfway through the statehouse would revise the state’s following-too-closely rule.

Michigan law already requires that platooning trucks accommodate other vehicles attempting to change lanes or exit the highway. Specifically, affected trucks must “allow reasonable access” for vehicles to maneuver around them.

House lawmakers voted 64-44 to advance a bill that would retain the provision, but include an amendment to specify that affected trucks traveling on a highway in a platoon would be exempt from the state’s minimum distance following rule.

“The Michigan vehicle code must stay current so that Michigan roadways can continue to embrace these new technologies,” stated Rep. Michael Webber, R-Rochester Hills. “With the advancement of autonomous vehicles on Michigan roads, we need to update the law to reflect these changes.”

He added that the change will enhance the transportation of goods in a safe manner.

Critics said they could not support legislation that lacks research on the safety of self-driving technology.

HB5749 awaits further consideration in the Senate Transportation Committee.

One bill halfway through the Pennsylvania statehouse would authorize the state DOT and the Pennsylvania Turnpike to use driverless trucks in roadway work zones.

Sponsored by Rep. Greg Rothman, R-Cumberland, HB1958 would permit affected vehicles to operate in violation of the state’s following distance rule for large vehicles. The rule would apply for up to three vehicles while working on limited access highways or interstates.

“I think we are seeing more and more that automated vehicles will play an expanded role in the construction industry,” Rothman stated. “I want Pennsylvania to be a leader in this area by ensuring we have a law in place to address this issue.”

Autonomous military vehicles also would be allowed to travel in groups. The platoon vehicles, however, would be required to have a person behind the wheel.

The bill is in the Senate Transportation Committee.

States to enact rule changes this year to permit platooning trucks on roadways include Alabama, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Oregon, Utah and Wisconsin. The changes in each state focus on granting exemptions to connected trucks from following distances rules for large vehicles.

The Kentucky rule stands out because it includes a requirement for affected vehicles to also display a marking to warn other drivers and law enforcement that the vehicle is part of a platoon. Carriers would also be required to submit for approval a platooning plan to the State Police.