MoDOT Prepares to Test Driverless Technology in Slow-Moving Work Zones

    As part of an effort to keep MoDOT workers safe from work zone crashes, MoDOT is retrofitting two of its vehicles with driverless technology for a pilot program. The Missouri Department of Transportation says if the pilot’s successful, MoDOT could remove drivers from the rear trucks of slow moving work zones. The plan is to test driverless MoDOT vehicles in the Kansas City area in 2019. Driverless technology is added to two Truck Mounted Attenuators, or TMAs, which are considered crash cushions. They’re designed to absorb the impact when hit. The vehicle would be in the rear of a striping or sweeping work zone convoy. A driver would still be in the vehicle cab during testing with the ability to immediately take over control of the truck.