Legislation to allow for commercial truck platooning along Kentucky interstates continues to move on down the general assembly ‘bill highway’. The Senate measure prompted questions from members of the House Transportation Committee Tuesday.
The technology allows semi-trucks to be connected electronically and travel in close proximity to each other. Pike County Representative Chris Harris asked about platooning in high traffic areas. “This seems a little bit dangerous, particularly when you are talking about in congested areas,” said Harris.
Peloton Technology Spokesman Adam Healy told lawmakers platooning trucks are monitored by a network operations center.
“The lead truck controls the acceleration and braking of both trucks while they are platooning, so even before the first truck would begin to slow down, as soon as they hit the brakes, the second truck is slowing in tandem with them,” noted Healy.
Healy says ten other states have similar legislation. But he says Kentucky would become the first state to require markings on platooning trucks to alert motorists of the joined vehicles.
