Colorado CDOT Unveils Autonomous Crash Trucks to Shield Highway Workers from Harm

Colorado Deploys Self-Driving Crash Trucks to Protect Highway Workers DENVER - In a groundbreaking move, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has unveiled an autonomous crash-protection truck designed to absorb highway work zone collisions, removing human drivers from one of the most hazardous road maintenance roles. The innovative vehicle, developed by San Diego-based defense contractor Kratos Defense, is already part of the state's fleet but previously required a worker in the cab, leaving them exposed during crashes. At a press event in Falcon on Monday, CDOT demonstrated the autonomous truck-mounted attenuator, which uses sensors, actuators, and video links to trail behind roadside work areas. "These vehicles are designed to get hit so people don't have to," said Kay Kelly, CDOT's chief of innovative mobility. "We want to remove the human from that truck whenever possible." The technology has been in development since 2012, when Kratos Defense started working on autonomous follower systems. The initial version was installed in Colorado in 2013, marking a pioneering effort by the state in deploying such technology. According to Maynard Factor, Kratos' vice president of business development, "We're proud to have partnered with CDOT to bring this life-saving innovation to the forefront." He added that the system's advanced sensors and actuators enable it to detect and respond to potential collisions, reducing the risk of harm to workers. The deployment of autonomous crash trucks has significant implications for highway safety. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), work zone crashes account for a disproportionate number of fatalities on US roads. By removing human drivers from these high-risk areas, CDOT aims to reduce the likelihood of such incidents. CDOT's decision to adopt this technology follows years of testing and evaluation. In 2017, Colorado became the first state to test autonomous crash-protection vehicles, marking a milestone in the development of this life-saving innovation. As the use of autonomous vehicles continues to gain traction, experts are weighing in on the potential benefits and challenges. "This is an exciting development that could have far-reaching implications for road safety," said Dr. Rachel Lee, a transportation expert at the University of Colorado Boulder. "However, we must also consider the need for robust regulations and standards to ensure public trust and confidence in these systems." The current status of the autonomous crash trucks is that they are being deployed across various work zones throughout the state, with CDOT monitoring their performance and making adjustments as needed. Future developments include plans to integrate the technology into existing infrastructure, such as highway signs and signals. With this innovative solution, Colorado takes a significant step towards reducing the risk of harm to its workers and paving the way for a safer, more efficient transportation system. *Reporting by Tech.*