The research project SARTRE (Safe Road Trains for the Environment), funded by the Seventh Framework Program of the European Union, could change the way we travel on the highways of Europe, extending the concept of 'road train' or a road train car with driver.

Originally, a road train is a convoy that carries a sequence of three or more cargo trailers. The aim is to develop and test SARTRE technology on current cars that would travel with this system coupled to a vehicle convoy led by a 'main vehicle'. Thus, the passengers of the cars using Road Train can sleep, read a book or watch television as they head to their destination.

Convenient and economic way to travel

The advantages of this idea are several: first, the road trains could help reduce traffic and thereby also the times of travel. On the other hand, it would be a very comfortable travel that would reduce the number of accidents per driver. Finally, they hope that this method will reduce fuel consumption by 20% and thereby CO2 emissions to the atmosphere.

The road train would operate as follows: a driver leaves his home in his car and, at one point on his journey, he joins a number of cars that are coupled together, forming a convoy traveling at normal speed.

In the rest of the journey, the driver can concentrate on reading the newspaper, talking on the phone or watching TV, while you save gas and relax. After reaching the destination point, the driver left the convoy and heads, driving their own car back to its final destination. The rest of the convoy vehicles would combine to close the gap and the road train follow its own path.

Technology required

As explained in a press release issued by the leader in automotive technology that is in charge of the project: Ricardo Ltd. (UK), it is necessary first that the car needs to have the technology that can remote control acceleration and braking and will guide its direction autonomously while attached to the road train.

In addition, cars or vehicles in the convoy must be equipped with navigation systems and a transmitter / receiver that allows passengers to get in touch with the main vehicle, which will be carrying the convoy. Each road train must also have a main vehicle that addresses the same way for an ordinary vehicle, and an experienced driver familiar with the route. The main vehicle could be a taxi, bus or truck. Each road train will consist of between six and eight vehicles.