The truck driver, in this case. That's the scenario visualised by a new EU project, SARTRE, which will develop and test what is known as autonomous driving. Each vehicle in the road train described above is able to take control over acceleration, braking and steering. And it might be a reality within a decade.
The first test cars equipped with this technology will roll on test tracks as early as 2011. The vehicles will be equipped with a navigation system and a transmitter/receiver unit that communicates with a lead vehicle. Since the system is built into the cars, there is no need to extend the infrastructure along the existing road network.
