Driverless trucks won’t get fatigue
Once again the issue of fatigue amongst Heavy Vehicle drivers raises its ugly head with the very recent fatal accident in the Central West of NSW. But changes are coming which will eventually remove this problem; At least in the eyes of some advocates.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is creating a new world for the workplace, especially in the broader transport sector. Driverless cars, trucks, trains and planes are no longer the province of science fiction. SA and WA have passed legislation allowing for pilot programs using driverless cars and buses to operate. Drones (planes) are common place and Sydney is to soon have its driverless Metro rail system operating..
Driverless heavy Vehicles (trucks) and rail locomotives are already in use in the Mining sector. In the USA trial programs using Heavy Vehicles on public roads are already underway. This technology will evolve and spread quickly as the potential for business efficiencies and advantages emerge.
The social and economic impact of this technology revolution is hardly noticed or debated, except for some savvy Union officials and academics.
Human factors such as fatigue, poor health, drug and alcohol related events, dodgy paperwork and fudged work diaries will diminish as the technology takes over. Issues such as poor maintenance and unrealistic schedules will continue.
One thing we can be clear about is that driverless trucks will reduce or remove fatigue related issues. That is a positive. What we do with the unemployed truck drivers is an issue yet to be addressed.
