Modeling and Development of Operation Guidelines for Leader-Follower Autonomous Truck-Mounted Attenuator Vehicles

Abstract: Mobile and slow moving operations, such as striping, sweeping, bridge flushing and pothole patching, are critical for efficient and safe operation of the highway transportation system. A successfully implemented leader follower autonomous truck mounted attenuators system will eliminate all injuries to DOT employees in follow truck provided appropriate Statutory authority. The leader follower system design imposes more requirements to the lead truck drivers in order to ensure a safe and smooth system operation. The driver is now required to make driving decisions not only from the lead truck's perspective, but also consider the potential implications of his decisions to the follow truck. This project aims to develop a set of rules and clear instructions for ATMA system operation