Poster 6: Signing for Automated Truck Platoons: Too Little, Too Much, How Much is Enough?
(Room Palms Ballroom)
16 Jul 19
5:30 PM
-
7:00 PM
As commercial deployment of automated truck platooning technology draws nearer, it is important to assess the possible effects of truck automation on other drivers. Previous research on the interactions between passenger vehicle drivers and manually driven trucks suggests that automated truck platoons may influence the safety and convenience of other road users at high-conflict areas, such as freeway entry and exit points. It is not yet known whether other road user behavior would be affected by the awareness of truck platooning operations. Results are presented from a study that investigated drivers' perception and understanding of closely-grouped trucks to select and assess visual indicators that communicate the status and characteristics of automated truck platoons to manual drivers. The effectiveness of signs for supporting driver comfort and desirable decision-making, including minimal cut-ins, are discussed, as well as plans for further testing and the potential advantages and disadvantages of signing for near-term automated truck platooning.