It was only a matter of time before some compulsive texter found a way to get text messaging and driving together again. Called the Road Train, it’s mean to save fuel, but we know it’s true purpose, don’t we? [BBC]
The Road Train is based on drafting, that age-old technique that NASCAR drivers use to make passing easier and that those suicidal Mythbusters proved was legit when they coasted 10 feet behind a big rig at constant velocity.
In this case, however, the system is automated. Cars opt in and opt out at the driver’s convenience, forming a moving, amorphous “train” of vehicles that maintain constant speed and distance form one another thanks to software.
Unlike many cool ideas/concepts, this one is actually being tested, right now, in Europe by Ricardo UK.
The three-year trial will see seven wireless-linked vehicles travelling the continent as part of an attempt to achieve a 20% fuel consumption reduction per vehicle. Reduced travel times and congestion are also goals.
And don’t forget texting. We may soon return to a world where texting while driving is just obnoxious, not deadly, as it is today. [BBC via Treehugger]
RodneyD
Monday, March 8, 2010 at 6:51 PMThis concept is not new, I saw this on a TV program 20 years ago where the Germans were pioneering wireless technology to form groups of cars to link up. The lead car would do the driving and the others would opt in or out as they passed along the motorway.
The segment showed drivers having a sleep whilst the convoy was moving.
It did not highlight the benefit of drafting as this does.
John Bailo
Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at 12:43 PMWe got ourselves a Con-Voy!