As truckers leave the profession in droves and fleets struggle to replace them, it is tempting to posit automation as a convenient solution to the continuing driver shortage. If only it were that simple. Although the technology is developing in leaps and bounds, there are stark limitations to what self-driving systems can currently achieve and will be for some time to come.

Progress is being made. Embark managed to navigate a Level 4 self-driving modified Peterbilt tractor along 2,400 miles (3,862km) of US roads on a coast-to-coast journey, and at CES 2019 Daimler announced that it would be investing US$570m into the development of Level 4 long-haul trucks. But many industry players are starting to believe that full Level 5 automation, where a fully automated or driverless truck can tackle any environment in any weather, is still decades away. More than a few think it will never come to pass. Opinions are also divided on the functionality of Level 3 systems—some believe it is a necessary stepping stone towards higher levels of automation, while others view it as without purpose.

There are stark limitations to what self-driving systems can currently achieve and will be for some time to come

One thing that most automakers, fleet managers and analysts agree on is that the safety benefits of autonomy are a worthy investment. Drivers will not be going anywhere—the utopic vision of fleets of self-driving trucks traversing roads in harmony and keeping collisions to a minimum is still a pipe dream—but advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) will almost certainly continue to change the face of the job and provide reassurance to road transport companies on a number of fronts.

The cost of a fatal truck crash averages at US$3m, a figure that could cripple a fleet. Even a collision with no fatalities or serious injury will set a company back around US$62,000. The introduction of ADAS functions such as lane-keep assist and emergency braking can help to cut the risks associated with driver distraction significantly. As veteran truckers leave the industry and new, often temporary workers take their place, ADAS systems will go some way towards balancing those experience levels.

Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) will almost certainly continue to change the face of the job and provide reassurance to road transport companies

For now, fleets are unkeen to talk about full automation, in part due to fears of scaring off potential driver talent. But many are looking to autonomous solutions that will reduce operational costs in the mid-term. A safely driven truck is more cost-effective and investing in Level 2 solutions now could lead to companies making massive savings down the road. And as ADAS solutions look set to become mandatory for trucks over the next few years, operators and drivers would do well to get used to them now.

For further industry stakeholder insight, and to find out more about how safety will be a key selling point for road transport companies looking at self-driving truck technology, download Automotive World’s latest special report: Truck safety on the road to Level 5.