Platoon (automobile)

Part of a series on
Self-driving cars & self-driving vehicles
Enablers
Assured clear distance ahead Autonomous racing Datasets History Impact Lane centering Pedestrian crash avoidance mitigation Vehicle infrastructure integration
Topics
Automatic parking Platoon Regulation Liability Robotaxi Self-driving truck Tunnel problem
Related topics
Automatic train operation Unmanned surface vehicle Vehicular automation
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In transportation, platooning or flocking is a method for driving a group of vehicles together. It is meant to increase the capacity of roads via an automated highway system.^[1]

Platoons decrease the distances between cars or trucks using electronic, and possibly mechanical, coupling. This capability would allow many cars or trucks to accelerate or brake simultaneously. This system also allows for a closer headway between vehicles by eliminating reacting distance needed for human reaction.

Platoon capability might require buying new vehicles, 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 cars 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 8 to 25.