Big Rigs Go High Tech 288
pottercw writes "Trucking may not seem like a high-tech industry to the casual observer, but major carriers are starting to adopt an array of emerging technologies to combat rising fuel costs, tighter regulation and fierce competition. The technologies include systems that monitor and communicate vehicle conditions and performance, enhanced GPSs that keep tabs on tractors and trailers, and safety systems which issue warnings or even take action to help drivers avoid an accident — all working in real time. Computerworld has a cool mouseover diagram highlighting some of the gadgets we're beginning to see on high-tech trucks."
You cannot let this article stay posted! (Score:5, Funny)
Big Red (Score:5, Funny)
If only it could have saved poor Red from beef poisoning at Sirloin A Lot, sadly that feature was still in beta.
-Matt
viva Homer!
Am I the only one... (Score:5, Funny)
Re:You cannot let this article stay posted! (Score:2, Funny)
What will the future bring? (Score:5, Funny)
GPS (Score:3, Funny)
Will it stop directing them through tiny villages [slashdot.org] with roads too narrow to cope?
Re:Big Red (Score:2, Funny)
Re:Big Red (Score:3, Funny)
This predates graphical GPS navigation systems, but efforts had been made in this direction to facilitate the on time arrival of loads. Someone would have to travel the route in advance, marking significant coordinates and noting instructions to be carried out as they are reached. One note was made, "turn left at the railroad tracks."
One driver made the judgment that this meant that he should actually steer his rig onto the railroad tracks. He succeeded. Fortunately, a passing motorist called the police, who contacted the rail authorities who stopped the trains. It cost the company significantly in delayed rail freight costs and such, and the driver was found to be heavily influenced by drugs.
Re:Big Red (Score:5, Funny)
I'm heading west, and I'm looking for a whore!
Re:Train (Score:2, Funny)
Re:Oblig (Score:2, Funny)
Re:Big Red (Score:3, Funny)
!!!
I'm not sure if any drugs were involved but gross stupidity clearly was a contributing factor.