Bedford Driving Lessons

“Platooning” – driving along motorways in tight, electronically-controlled convoys – could become reality for motorists within a decade according to the experts. The first successful demonstration of advanced technology devised by the EU-backed SARTRE project, that allows cars to cruise in groups, has been successfully completed at the Volvo Proving Ground near Gothenburg, Sweden. It is the first time that EU-financed development teams have run their systems together in “real life” tests. Under the SARTRE platooning vision, a convoy of vehicles will be led by a professional driver in a lead car. Each vehicle measures the distance, speed and direction and adjusts to the car in front, thanks to sophisticated car-to-car electronics. All vehicles are totally detached and can leave the procession at any time. But once in the platoon, drivers can relax – even turning their attention to other tasks – while the platoon proceeds towards its long haul destination. Tests carried out in Sweden included a lead vehicle and a single following car. The steering wheel of the following car moved by itself as the vehicle followed the lead truck around the country road test track. The driver was able to drink coffee and read a newspaper, using neither hand nor foot to operate his vehicle, while in convoy. More