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Platoon (automobile)




Grouping Vehicle s into Platoon s is one proposed method to increase Road Capacity without building additional traffic lanes.

Platoons decrease the distances between cars using electronic, and possibly mechanical, coupling. This capability would allow many Car s to accelerate or brake simultaneously. Instead of waiting after a light changes to green for drivers ahead to react, a synchronized platoon would move as one, allowing up to a fivefold increase in traffic throughout.

Platoon capability might require buying new cars, or it may be something that can be retrofitted. Drivers would probably need a special license endorsement on account of the new skills required and the added responsibility when driving in the lead.

Smart Car s with Artificial Intelligence could automatically join and leave platoons. The Automated Highway System is a proposal for one such system, where cars organise themselves into platoons of eight to twenty-five.


POTENTIAL BENEFITS

  • Greater efficiency due to reduced air resistance.

  • Reduced Congestion

  • Substantially shorter commutes during peak periods.

  • On longer highway trips, vehicles could be mostly unattended while in following mode.



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