Pickup truck towing car trailer crashes on I-95 in NH

No injuries were reported after a pickup truck towing a car trailer on Interstate 95 early Saturday morning crashed, authorities said. New Hampshire State Police said around 12:15 a.m., troopers responded to the crash on the southbound side of the highway in North Hampton.Troopers on the scene found a Ford Super Duty pickup truck towing a car trailer that was disabled and extensive guardrail damage in the median of the highway, police said.The crash left the guardrail obstructing a lane on the southbound side and debris across lanes on both sides of the highway, police said.>> Download the free WMUR app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play <

NORTH HAMPTON, N.H. —

New Hampshire State Police said around 12:15 a.m., troopers responded to the crash on the southbound side of the highway in North Hampton.

Troopers on the scene found a Ford Super Duty pickup truck towing a car trailer that was disabled and extensive guardrail damage in the median of the highway, police said.

The crash left the guardrail obstructing a lane on the southbound side and debris across lanes on both sides of the highway, police said.

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The driver, a 37-year-old woman from Florida, had a license that was suspended, police said. The passenger, a 29-year-old from Florida, was the owner of the truck.

The driver was summonsed for operating after suspension and negligent driving, state police said.

The crash remains under investigation but driver inexperience and fatigue are believed to be contributing factors, state police said.

A lane on the southbound side of I-95 was closed for about three hours.

Anyone with information that could help with the investigation is asked to contact Trooper Patrick Vetter at [email protected] or 603-223-4381.

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Vehicle Roadside Assistance Market Size Expected to Reach

Ottawa, May 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global vehicle roadside assistance market size was valued at USD 28.53 billion in 2023 and is predicted to hit around USD 41.93 billion by 2031, a study published by Towards Automotive a sister firm of Precedence Research.

Roadside assistance is a vital service offering within the automotive industry, providing immediate aid to drivers experiencing vehicle breakdowns or emergencies while on the road. This service is typically facilitated by specialized companies, insurance providers, or automotive clubs, either as standalone programs or bundled with insurance policies or membership subscriptions.

Designed to swiftly address a range of vehicle issues such as flat tires, dead batteries, engine failures, accidents, or lockouts, roadside assistance ensures drivers receive prompt assistance to either resolve the issue on-site or safely transport the vehicle to a designated location for further repairs.

Central to the efficacy of roadside assistance programs is the establishment of a robust network of service providers and experts capable of responding swiftly to service requests and delivering exceptional customer support. These networks often leverage digital platforms and mobile applications to streamline service dispatch and communication, ensuring timely assistance and customer satisfaction.

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Moreover, many roadside assistance programs operate on a membership-based model, wherein customers pay a recurring subscription fee to access the services as needed. This membership approach offers drivers peace of mind knowing they have reliable assistance available whenever they encounter vehicle-related challenges while traveling.

Roadside assistance services encompass a range of crucial offerings designed to aid drivers in distress, ensuring their safety and providing swift resolution to vehicular issues encountered while on the road. These services often include towing, vehicle starting, fuel delivery, tire replacement, battery replacement, locksmith assistance, and minor repairs. Additionally, some service providers offer supplementary benefits such as trip interruption insurance, reimbursement for accommodation or transportation expenses, and concierge services.

The market for roadside assistance services is segmented based on vehicle type, services offered, service providers, and geographical regions. Vehicle types typically include passenger cars and commercial vehicles, while services encompass a wide array of assistance options such as transportation, towing, fuel delivery, jump-start services, and more. The market is served by various entities including original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), auto insurance companies, and independent service providers.

For instance, in September 2022, FixiGo and Roadzen announced a partnership to offer nationwide 24x7 roadside assistance services, including on-call service, on-site repair, accident and emergency towing, vehicle recovery, fuel delivery, minor repairs, battery jump-starts, and locksmith services. Additionally, customers can access new features such as quick access to assistance, dedicated direct dial (DID) numbers, hotel and medical services, on-demand drivers, and mobile app support.

Furthermore, companies like PhonePe have ventured into the roadside assistance market by offering insurance products for private cars and two-wheelers in partnership with Bajaj Allianz General Insurance. This collaboration provides customers with cashless repairs, instant solutions, and customizable insurance plans tailored to their needs, including value-added services like discounts and engine protection. Such initiatives aim to enhance the accessibility and convenience of roadside assistance services for drivers worldwide.

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Increase in Off-road Travel Expeditions and Expansion of Construction, Mining, and Energy Sectors

Consumer Shift Towards Recreational Activities: There has been a notable consumer shift towards recreational activities and family outings, particularly in developed nations. This trend has led to an increased demand for SUVs, which are favored for off-road driving adventures. As more individuals and families engage in outdoor activities, the demand for vehicle roadside assistance services has risen correspondingly. SUVs, being commonly used for off-road excursions, are more prone to encountering breakdowns in remote or challenging terrains, necessitating reliable roadside assistance.Expansion of Mining, Construction, and Energy Sectors: The global expansion of mining, construction, and energy sectors has significantly contributed to the increased demand for vehicles, especially commercial vehicles. These sectors often require heavy-duty vehicles for transportation and operation in rugged and remote environments. Vehicles operating in such industries are frequently subjected to off-road applications, where access to traditional garages and fuel stations may be limited or unavailable. In such scenarios, efficient vehicle breakdown assistance management systems become crucial in providing timely support to vehicles experiencing breakdowns along off-road routes, ensuring minimal disruption to operations.Growth in Number of On-Road Vehicles and Aging Fleet: The overall growth in the number of on-road vehicles worldwide, coupled with the increasing average age of vehicles, is expected to have a significant impact on the vehicle roadside assistance market. As the vehicle population continues to expand, so does the likelihood of encountering breakdowns and mechanical issues. Additionally, as vehicles age, they become more susceptible to breakdowns, necessitating the need for reliable roadside assistance services. Consequently, there is an increasing demand for efficient roadside assistance solutions to address the diverse needs of vehicle owners and operators across various industries and geographical regions.

Surge in Demand for Towing Services

Towing Service Segment: Towing stands out as one of the most attractive and essential service segments within the vehicle roadside assistance market. In emergency situations such as collisions or vehicle breakdowns, towing services play a crucial role in ensuring the safe removal and transport of vehicles to designated locations for repair or further assistance. This fundamental aspect of emergency roadside assistance is projected to significantly contribute to market expansion over the forecasted period.Essential Need for Towing Services: Vehicle breakdown incidents, ranging from engine failures to flat tires and battery malfunctions, often necessitate the use of towing services to transport the affected vehicles to repair facilities or designated service centers. Due to the prevalence of such breakdown scenarios and the diverse range of vehicles requiring assistance, towing services are in consistently high demand across the global market. Consequently, towing services hold a substantial share of the overall vehicle roadside assistance industry, owing to their indispensable role in addressing common roadside emergencies and ensuring the prompt and efficient resolution of vehicle issues.

Rise in the need for safety and security of supplying activities

As the transportation and business sectors continue to expand, ensuring the safety and security of goods and drivers throughout the supply chain has become a top priority for companies worldwide. Transportation services play a pivotal role in managing and addressing unexpected situations and emergencies that may arise during the transportation process. The supply chain journey involves the transportation of goods to various locations, often across long and diverse distances. However, this process is not without its risks and challenges, including traffic accidents, mechanical failures, or unforeseen issues, all of which have the potential to disrupt the timely delivery of goods and impact overall operational efficiency.

To mitigate these risks and ensure smooth operations, businesses rely on technical support services to swiftly address any issues encountered along the transportation route. These services typically include 24/7 emergency assistance, rapid response times, and expert teams trained to handle a wide range of situations that may arise during transportation. By partnering with a reliable service provider, businesses can ensure the safety of their drivers, safeguard the integrity of their cargo, and minimize losses resulting from unforeseen events.

Moreover, with an increasing focus on regulatory compliance regarding driver health, cargo protection, and emergency response protocols, service providers that can meet these stringent requirements are highly valued in the market. The demand for safety and security solutions in the workplace has become an integral aspect of business operations, driving the need for comprehensive technical support services tailored to meet these evolving needs and regulatory standards.

As businesses strive to maintain operational efficiency and uphold safety standards throughout their supply chains, the demand for reliable transportation services equipped with robust technical support capabilities continues to grow. Meeting these demands not only ensures the smooth and secure transportation of goods but also enhances overall business resilience and competitiveness in today's dynamic marketplace.

Transportation assistance services play a crucial role in helping drivers overcome various challenges and emergencies encountered while on the road. These services are typically provided by skilled vehicle service technicians who specialize in addressing a wide range of vehicle-related issues, from minor repairs to electrical troubleshooting and adjustments aimed at optimizing driving performance. Common types of assistance include puncture support, jump-starting a battery, on-site minor mechanical and electrical repairs, key replacement for lost or misplaced keys, and fuel delivery services.

Safety is a paramount concern in the automotive industry, and breakdown services are instrumental in ensuring the safety of drivers and passengers alike. In the event of a vehicle breakdown or accident, these services are designed to swiftly address the issue on-site, minimizing disruptions and ensuring the vehicle can resume normal operation promptly. Towing services are typically reserved for more serious cases where on-site repairs are not feasible or safe to perform.

As awareness of these services grows among drivers, the automotive service industry is expected to see significant expansion in the coming years. Moreover, factors such as reduced battery power, icy roads, and hazardous driving conditions highlight the importance of having access to reliable vehicle assistance services, especially during extreme weather conditions. By providing a safety net for drivers facing unexpected challenges on the road, transportation assistance services contribute to enhanced road safety and overall driver confidence, further fueling the growth of the automotive service sector.

Automotive Exhaust Analyzer Market Trends

Increase in technology complexities

As automotive technology continues to advance, modern vehicles are becoming increasingly complex, incorporating sophisticated computer systems, sensors, and specialized components. This complexity presents unique challenges for diagnosing and repairing issues, requiring service providers to invest in ongoing training and the latest diagnostic tools and equipment for their technicians. However, the rapid pace of technological innovation can make it challenging for professionals to keep pace with evolving automotive technologies, leading to a shortage of skilled professionals capable of addressing vehicle issues effectively.

As a result of this shifting consumer preference, independent service providers may face challenges in attracting customers and maintaining demand for their services. The increasing difficulty of servicing modern vehicles underscores the importance of continuous training and investment in advanced diagnostic technologies for service providers seeking to remain competitive in the automotive service industry.

Asia-Pacific Is Expected to Be the Leading Market

The Asia-Pacific region is emerging as a powerhouse in the automotive industry, fueled by several factors contributing to its economic expansion. A key catalyst for this growth is the rising demand for transportation services, driven by the region's increasing per capita income. As individuals in the Asia-Pacific region enjoy higher disposable incomes, they are more inclined to invest in vehicles, leading to a surge in car sales and fostering a robust automotive market.

This growing vehicle ownership has also sparked a corresponding increase in demand for transportation services as consumers seek reliable solutions to meet their evolving mobility needs. Consequently, the automotive sector in the Asia-Pacific region has become highly sought-after by industry participants, attracted by its expansive customer base and promising business opportunities. Entrepreneurs are drawn to the region's vibrant automotive landscape, which offers fertile ground for innovation, expansion, and business growth.

Technological advancements in the automotive sector are further driving growth, enhancing the driving experience and aligning with global market trends. These innovations not only bolster customer satisfaction but also contribute to increased automobile sales. Moreover, the stability of the automotive industry in the Asia-Pacific region is expected to strengthen further, buoyed by the positive effects of economic growth, rising income levels, and escalating demand for vehicles.

Overall, the Asia-Pacific region plays a pivotal role in propelling the global automotive industry forward, underscored by its favorable economic dynamics and significant contributions to industry growth and innovation.

Increase in vehicle ownership

As the number of vehicles on the roads continues to rise, so does the likelihood of accidents, collisions, and other emergencies. This uptick in incidents underscores the growing demand for reliable roadside assistance services that can provide prompt assistance and support to a broader customer base. Whether it's a minor breakdown or a major accident, vehicle owners increasingly seek assurance that professional assistance will be readily available when needed.

This need for dependable roadside assistance is particularly pronounced in densely populated urban areas, where traffic congestion and lengthy commutes heighten the risk of encountering vehicle-related issues. Moreover, the expanding maritime sector, encompassing trucking, passenger transportation, and other transport services, has further fueled the demand for reliable assistance. Businesses operating in this sector rely heavily on the seamless operation of their vehicles to deliver uninterrupted services, making efficient roadside assistance indispensable to their operations.

As car ownership continues to surge globally, the service industry stands to benefit from a larger customer base seeking assistance and support. To meet this escalating demand, service providers must invest in expanding their service offerings, enhancing service quality, and leveraging technology to deliver efficient and effective assistance. By doing so, they can not only meet the growing needs of vehicle owners but also enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty, thereby driving further business growth and success.

Increase in consumer awareness and convenience

In today's fast-paced world, customers are increasingly recognizing the importance and accessibility of roadside assistance services, leading to a surge in demand. The convenience and peace of mind offered by these services play a pivotal role in ensuring customer satisfaction and loyalty. With a growing awareness of the potential risks and uncertainties associated with being stranded on the road without assistance, consumers are actively seeking reliable support in case of emergencies, breakdowns, or accidents.

People now understand the value of receiving prompt and professional assistance to swiftly resolve issues on the road. In today's hectic lifestyle characterized by busy schedules and time constraints, both individuals and businesses are seeking streamlined solutions that minimize disruptions and save precious time. Roadside assistance services offer a convenient and efficient way to address vehicle-related challenges, enabling customers to quickly resume their activities without undue delay.

Moreover, many service providers have embraced technology to enhance the customer experience further. With mobile applications and dedicated helplines, customers can request assistance with just a few taps on their smartphones. This seamless accessibility, coupled with effective coordination and real-time updates, significantly enhances overall convenience and satisfaction for customers. Consequently, the emphasis on customer experience and convenience has become paramount for businesses operating in the roadside assistance industry, driving the need for robust support services.

Vehicle Roadside Assistance Market Leaders

Viking Assistance Group ASARC Europe SASwedish AutoSOS International A/SAllianz Global AssistanceFalck A/SAllstate Insurance CompanyAAAAgero, Inc.Best Roadside ServiceAutoVantageRoadside MastersParagon Motor ClubGood Sam Enterprise, LLCAccess Roadside AssistanceBetter World ClubEmergency Road Services CorporationHonk technologiesNational General Insurancespan wingsLY INC.Twenty Four OTR Pvt LtdTVS Auto Assist India LimitedASSURANT, INC.RESCUE Vehicle Services Private Ltd.Emirates Insurance Co. (PSC)CHUBB LIMITEDPrime Assistance Inc.Arabian Automobile Association

Vehicle Roadside Assistance Market News

In October 2022, Roadside Heroes, a startup based in California, launched a mobile app that connects drivers with nearby roadside assistance providers. The app offers features such as real-time tracking of service vehicles, instant service requests, and transparent pricing, enhancing the overall roadside assistance experience for users.In August 2022, AAA (American Automobile Association) announced the expansion of its roadside assistance coverage to include electric vehicle (EV) charging services. AAA members with electric vehicles can now access charging assistance through the AAA mobile app, making it easier for EV owners to navigate long journeys with peace of mind.In June 2022, OnStar, a subsidiary of General Motors, unveiled a new feature called "OnStar Guardian" as part of its roadside assistance service. The Guardian feature allows users to share their real-time location and vehicle information with trusted contacts in case of emergencies, providing an added layer of safety and security for drivers and passengers.In May 2022, BP (British Petroleum) launched a pilot program in select locations to offer roadside assistance services to customers fueling up at BP gas stations. The program, called "BP Roadside Assist," provides services such as tire changes, jump starts, and fuel delivery to drivers in need, reinforcing BP's commitment to customer satisfaction and support.In April 2022, Ford Motor Company announced a partnership with roadside assistance provider Urgent.ly to offer seamless roadside assistance services to Ford vehicle owners. Through the FordPass app, users can access a range of services, including towing, lockout assistance, and fuel delivery, enhancing the overall ownership experience for Ford customers.

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Market Segmentation

By Service

Tire ReplacementTowingJump Start/Pull StartFuel DeliveryLockout/Replacement Key ServiceBattery AssistanceWinchTrip Routing/Navigational AssistanceOther Mechanic Service

By Provider

Motor InsuranceAuto ManufacturerAutomotive ClubsIndependent Warranty

By Vehicle

Commercial Vehicle Light Commercial VehicleHeavy Commercial Vehicle Passenger Vehicles HatchbackSedanUtility Vehicles

By Geography

North America Europe Asia-Pacific ChinaIndiaJapanSouth KoreaMalaysiaPhilippines Latin America BrazilRest of Latin America Middle East & Africa (MEA) GCCNorth AfricaSouth AfricaRest of the Middle East & Africa

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What’s really going on at the Texas Rangers game

arlington, TEXAS — Sometimes fishing is about more than fishing.

That was the gist of a Top 10 country song released in 2011.

Trace Adkins’ “Just Fishin’” details a father’s deeper desire for simple time spent with his daughter:

And she thinks we’re just fishing on the riverside

Throwing back what we could fry

Drowning worms and killing time

Nothing too ambitious

She ain’t even thinking about

What’s really going on right now

But I guarantee this memory’s a big one

And she thinks we’re just fishing

Sometimes a baseball game is about more than a baseball game.

That was J.C. Bailey III’s thinking when he invited a group of North Texas ministers — and The Christian Chronicle editor-in-chief — to enjoy a Texas Rangers game from his law firm’s suite.

Fans who pay close attention to the advertising along the Rangers’ home run wall at Globe Life Field might recognize the name Bailey & Galyen. With Phillip Galyen serving as president, it’s the MLB team’s official law firm.

Members of Churches of Christ who pay close attention to giants in the faith might recognize the name J.C. Bailey.

Related: Keeping the faith: Texas Rangers win the World Series

The attorney’s late grandfather, who died in 2001 at age 97, preached for 40 years in Montana and Canada, did mission work in India and served as the founding president of Canada’s now-defunct Western Christian College.

The attorney’s father, J.C. Bailey II, now 89, is better known as John. A 1957 graduate of Abilene Christian University in Texas, he mixed a successful dental practice with regular preaching. After retiring, he devoted himself to medical missions, performing thousands of dental surgeries in more than 20 countries on three continents.

J.C. Bailey III is an attorney and minister in Texas.

J.C. Bailey III goes by “Jay.” An attorney since 1988, he earned his bachelor’s degree from ACU and his law degree from Baylor University. He specializes in probate and estate planning.

But like his father, grandfather and great-grandfather before him, he’s a preacher, too.

He grew up watching his dad’s bivocational ministry. Earning a living with a day job — and stepping to the pulpit on Sundays — seemed like a natural choice.

Jay Bailey just finished 12 years as the “interim” preacher for the 1,000-member Legacy Church of Christ, his home congregation in the Fort Worth suburb of North Richland Hills. Tim Hall, who wore a red Rangers T-shirt to the baseball game, is Legacy’s new full-time preacher.

Typically, Bailey & Galyen’s suite overlooking home plate at the Rangers ballpark serves business purposes. But Jay Bailey had a spiritual reason for inviting ministry friends to watch Texas play the Washington Nationals on Thursday afternoon.

He knows that ministry can be challenging. Stressful. Even lonely.

Who better understands that than a fellow preacher? So why not orchestrate a setting where — over free hot dogs, nachos, brownies and soft drinks — ministers could fellowship with each other as pitchers fired 95 mph fastballs?

I’m not a preacher, but editing an international Christian newspaper can be demanding at times. So I appreciated Jay including me.

My father, Bob Ross, preaches for the Greenwood Church of Christ, a rural congregation in North Texas. He joined the group at the game.

Bobby Ross Jr. and his father, Bob Ross, in the suite at the Texas Rangers game on Thursday afternoon.

We enjoyed catching up with preachers such as Jon McKenzie of the Bridgewood Church of Christ in Fort Worth, Michael Lum of the South Main Church of Christ in Weatherford and Brock Paulk of the Heritage Church of Christ in Keller.

I cheered as the Rangers shut out the Nationals, 6-0. But guess what? That wasn’t what was really going on.

This baseball game was about more than a baseball game.

BOBBY ROSS JR. is Editor-in-Chief of The Christian Chronicle. Reach him at [email protected].

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My car was towed from outside my own home over a flat tire

A RENTER's vehicle was towed after it had a flat tire for 10 days and asked an attorney if the towing was legal.

An attorney said the condition of the vehicle might have made it a violation.

A renter's car was towed after their vehicle got a flat tire but was parked legally for 10 days - an attorney says it might not be illegalCredit: Getty

Avvo, a website that allows people to ask questions to lawyers without worrying about a consultation fee, has a lot of public questions regarding parking regulations.

A user in Miami, Florida asked the public platform if their property management was in the wrong for towing their disabled vehicle after being parked for more than a week.

"Can my car be towed in my apartment complex over a flat tire?" read their post's title.

"I had left my car parked in a legal parking zone for 10 days straight and it had a flat tire. When I talked to management of the complex they told me they towed it because it had a flat tire and it was parked for more than 10 days in the same spot."

Since the car's location was the tenant's parking spot, their question continued by asking if they had any standing against the property management company.

"Is that an illegal way of towing a vehicle to an attendant that lives in that complex?"

An attorney answered the user's question by saying it may be wise to read the rental agreement before pursuing legal action.

"[It's probably not illegal] but you would need to review your lease and any rules and regulations of the complex to see if they have a policy against disabled vehicles," said Barbara Billiot Stage, a Real Estate Attorney in the state.

A similar question was asked by a Quora user, stating their car was still functional, though they were concerned it may be towed away because of a flat tire.

‘Nothing I can do’ driver fumes after his car was ‘illegally’ towed – culprits can ‘inflict unlimited financial impact’

"Can my car get towed from the apartment complex if the tire is just flat by still runs and drives?" read the question.

Steve Smith, a former service technician for a towing company, said that many apartment complexes require vehicles to be road-worthy.

"Most rental agreements and leases have language requiring cars be kept legal (tags) and they must remain in operating condition," read their answer.

"If they want to tow the car as an inoperable vehicle they have to place a warning on it and give you 72 hours to fix the problem. You should verify your local laws."

What to do if your car is towed

Wrongfully or not, retrieving a towed vehicle can be a hassle.

If your vehicle is towed after parking in a "No Parking" zone or other legitimate reason, there are a few steps to take to get it back.

Steps to take when your car is towed:

Try to figure out why your car was towed. Did you not see a posted "No Parking" sign? Did you miss a car payment? Did you return to a lot where you have unpaid citations? Finding the reason can narrow down the phone numbers to dial.
Locate the vehicle. Most states, cities, or counties require towing companies to leave some form of contact information via a posted sign or sent by mail.
Recovery dates and times depend on the company that towed the vehicle, but those times will be posted to the website or can be recited by a representative.
Pay the fees. Be careful to be as prompt as possible, as some tow yards may charge storage fees by the day.

If you feel your vehicle was wrongfully towed, contesting the action can be done with the following steps:

Be prompt - many states have a small window of time where it's acceptable to file a complaint against a company that wrongfully towed the vehicle.
Gather supporting documents: photos, emails, receipts, police reports, and witness statements if applicable. The more evidence, the better.
Get familiar with your local laws, as laws for towing companies vary per state.
Try speaking with the towing company. Sometimes it may have been a simple oversight, and the matter can be resolved quickly.
Contact the Justice of the Peace in your area, as they may have more insight or resources to help. They are often utilized for towing cases.
Talk to a lawyer. Many lawyers have free case consultations, and depending on the case, it may be worth it to utilize a lawyer.

Source: Oregon Department of Justice, National General, Rak Law Firm

For some property management companies, a flat tire could reflect that the vehicle is not being driven, rendering the vehicle inoperable.

In some cases, a vehicle could be ticketed or towed for not being road-legal.

Depending on whether or not the user's apartment complex has a policy against disabled vehicles like Stage indicated, the Avvo user could be on the hook for up to $125 in towing fees plus storage fees to retrieve the car.

Repairing a flat tire, depending on the reason behind the flat tire, could cost anywhere from $54 to $64, according to Kelley Blue Book.

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Self-driving trucks are here. Are they hauling climate benefits?

Self-driving trucks represent the future of freight transportation, advocates say. And to help ensure there is a future — at least for humanity — they argue that autonomous trucks can help fight climate change by reducing fuel consumption.

A new estimate, funded by one of the biggest players in the autonomous trucking sector, says self-driving trucks could cut fuel use 13 percent to 32 percent compared with standard diesel trucks. The findings come amid a broader campaign to build support among regulators and Congress for the technology, which backers say is getting close to reality.

The potential payoff is huge — trucking is a $1 trillion business in the U.S. alone, according to Aurora Innovation, the company that paid for the fuel-efficiency research. For freight carriers, autonomous trucking offers the promise of bigger profit margins because they won’t have to pay human drivers.

Aurora and like-minded companies such as Kodiak Robotics Inc. and Gatik AI have tested self-driving trucks for more than a year. With a safety driver behind the wheel, autonomous trucks have run routes in and around Dallas, and between points as distant as Houston, Atlanta and El Paso.

All three companies say they plan to start making deliveries in fully autonomous trucks without a human driver sometime this year. Most states already allow self-driving trucks, either explicitly or implicitly, according to Aurora.

“As autonomous trucks make hauling freight safer, we have a responsibility to make logistics more sustainable as well,” said Garrett Bray, a product director at Aurora who wrote the paper. “Self-driving technology can fight climate change by increasing energy efficiency and reducing emissions in the supply chain.”

Test drive of Kodiak Robotics self-driving tractor-trailer

lead image

Transportation is the biggest source of greenhouse gas pollution in the U.S., and trucking makes up about a fourth of the transportation industry’s emissions.

Already, there are efforts to electrify the trucking industry — without or without drivers. But the AV industry says it can make a significant dent in emissions from diesel-powered trucks, according to the industry-funded report.

The biggest improvement would come from running trucks at lower speeds, the paper said.

Typically, trucks have to stick to a precise schedule because drivers can work only a limited number of hours before federal regulations require them to take a rest break. A self-driving truck can lumber along at a lower speed, and still reach its destination faster by skipping the breaks.

Self-driving trucks also won’t have to idle as much when they’re stopped, since they don’t require an air-conditioned cab. Likewise, they don’t rack up “deadhead miles” returning home at the end of a shift, and they don’t have to detour for bathroom breaks or food.

Some of the fuel savings will be offset by the power needed to run the autonomous system’s sensors and computers. And the sensors, which are mounted on the outside of the truck, will create more aerodynamic drag.

But the paper estimated those drawbacks will be small, compared with the overall fuel savings.

The report, which wasn’t peer-reviewed, builds on previous industry estimates that say self-driving trucks could cut emissions by 10 percent.

That’s been one of the industry’s selling points as it makes its case to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the White House Office of Management and Budget.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which oversees the industry, is preparing to introduce a regulation on self-driving trucks, which is being reviewed by the White House Office of Management and Budget. The agency has been gathering information on automated trucks for more than five years, through a listening session and two notices of proposed rulemaking.

Through it all, industry advocates have attested to their safety — and their potential to cut planet-warming pollution.

“Study after study demonstrates AVs improve roadway safety,” Jeff Farrah, chief executive of the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association, said in an email.

“For states like California — where the transportation sector represents nearly 50% of all greenhouse gas emissions — this research demonstrates that AV trucks like Aurora’s can play a pivotal role in reducing carbon emissions.”

The fuel savings that Aurora claims are in line with what other research has shown about automation, said Raj Rajkumar, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University who studies the topic.

The trucks can be programmed to accelerate and decelerate gently, and their mapping systems allow them to adjust for hills and curves ahead of time.

“You can program the AV to have basically a pretty fuel-efficient profile,” he said.

The environmental benefits create an opportunity for the federal government; it could mandate slower operating speeds when it writes future regulations on self-driving trucks, said Parth Vaishnav, a professor at the University of Michigan.

“The firms would see fuel cost reductions, they would still see an increase in productivity and there would be safety and environmental benefits,” he said. “It would be the government asking the truck operators to share some of the gains they would make from automation.”

Safety is a top concern

To be clear, the environmental benefits of autonomous trucking are tiny compared with the financial gains that trucking companies would see from running trucks without a driver at the wheel. In addition to saving the driver’s salary, the trucks could operate almost twice as many hours in a day.

But like self-driving cars, autonomous trucks are being scrutinized for their safety record — and perhaps more so because of their greater potential for harm.

The industry says self-driving trucks can operate more safely than human drivers, and it says companies have logged millions of miles without the high-profile mistakes and public anger that have accompanied the rollout of self-driving passenger cars.

“We are well aware of the microscope we operate under,” said Dan Goff, director of external affairs at Kodiak.

Still, highway safety groups and unions have been pressing the FMCSA to move carefully.

So far, most autonomous vehicles on the road have been passenger cars, traveling at relatively slow speeds on city streets.

Long-distance trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, roughly 20 times larger than a typical car, and move at speeds up to 75 mph on some rural roads. There haven’t been any serious crashes involving automated trucks, but the consequences could be tragic, said Cathy Chase, executive director of Advocates for Highway Safety.

The group is pushing for FMCSA to hold off allowing self-driving trucks until the technology is proven, and until the federal agency can write rules for the new technology. To date, most of the research about self-driving trucks has been conducted by the industry.

“Our organization is not comforted by the fact that these companies are saying that they’re going to be safe and improve efficiency or the environment,” Chase said.

Unions including the Teamsters and AFL-CIO have fought against self-driving trucks, saying they’re unsafe and would put drivers out of work. The Teamsters say autonomous trucks shouldn’t be sold until safety standards are in place, and they argue there must be a requirement to keep a human driver in the cab.

“AV companies haven’t demonstrated to the general public that they’re anywhere close to having a viable product that’s anywhere close to being as good as a professionally trained human operator,” Matthew McQuaid, a Teamsters spokesman, said in an email. “If these companies can’t do that, fully driverless trucks shouldn’t be allowed on public roads. Full stop.”

The Teamster pushed for a bill in California last year that would’ve required a licensed commercial driver in self-driving trucks, but Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed it.

The trucks use lidar and other sensors that can detect problems farther away than a human driver typically can. Their driving systems, powered by artificial intelligence, can pick up lessons that might take a human driver decades to learn, and also share real-time information among trucks in the same fleet about road conditions or obstacles.

So far, the trucks have been used only in preset “operational design domains” — meaning routes the companies have previously mapped. The trucks are typically monitored from a control room, where the company staff can track each vehicle and intervene if there’s an emergency.

Another selling point is that self-driving systems are programmed to drive conservatively.

On a recent visit, Kodiak took a guest on a test drive on some of the busiest highways in Dallas. The truck had a safety driver at the wheel, but he never touched the controls as the truck pulled out of the company’s lot, merged onto a highway and negotiated Dallas traffic.

Faced with drivers weaving in and out of lanes, the truck simply slowed down. When it encountered a broken-down vehicle on an access road, it pulled to one side. That sort of driving is not only safer, it’s more fuel-efficient and it creates less wear and tear on the truck, Kodiak said.

Gatik, which specializes in “middle-mile” trucking between warehouses and grocery stores, said automation allows its trucks to avoid trouble spots: school zones, hospitals, downtown areas.

“If the route takes seven minutes longer because that’s the safest route, a bag of groceries won’t complain about the extra seven minutes,” Rich Steiner, Gatik’s vice president of government relations, said in an interview.

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'Cow On The Loose' Guided Back to Pasture by Texas Cops

Several police officers responded to a bizarre call after a resident discovered an escaped cow wandering around their yard in mansfield, Texas, on May 1, Mansfield Police Department said.

Police said they received a call of a “cow loose in a residential backyard” on Wednesday night. The cow had escaped it’s enclosure through a fence, before wandering into the person’s yard.

Bodycam footage showed several officers standing around the cow.

“Through skillful maneuvering, the officers safely guided the cow back into its pasture,” the police department said. Credit: Mansfield Police Department via Storyful

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Police investigating fatal crash between tow truck and car Monday in Hillsdale

HILLSDALE — The Hillsdale City Police Department is investigating a fatal traffic crash that occurred in the early afternoon of Monday, April 29.

Emergency personnel were dispatched Monday afternoon to the intersection of Industrial Road and Carleton Road on the north end of Hillsdale for a report that a tow truck had struck a passenger car.

A preliminary investigation showed that the driver of the passenger car was stopped on Industrial Road and entered Carleton Road where the crash occurred. The car driver was pronounced deceased due to injuries sustained in the crash.

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Hephner said Michigan State Police accident reconstruction experts were called to assist with the crash investigation and determine speeds at the time of the crash.

Carleton Road (M-99) was closed for hours while investigators worked the scene and traffic was temporarily diverted down secondary service roads around the crash site.

— Contact Reporter Corey Murray at [email protected] or follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @cmurrayHDN.

This article originally appeared on Hillsdale Daily News: Police investigating fatal crash April 29 in Hillsdale

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A sellout for a WNBA exhibition game? Welcome to the league's Caitlin Clark era

dallas Wings forward Natasha Howard (6) during the first half of an WNBA basketball game in arlington, Texas, Friday, May 3, 2024." alt="Indiana Fever guard Caitlyn Clark (22) drives past Dallas Wings forward Natasha Howard (6) during the first half of an WNBA basketball game in Arlington, Texas, Friday, May 3, 2024." loading="eager" srcset="https://s.hdnux.com/photos/01/37/27/22/24999052/3/80x0.jpg 80w, https://s.hdnux.com/photos/01/37/27/22/24999052/3/160x0.jpg 160w, https://s.hdnux.com/photos/01/37/27/22/24999052/3/240x0.jpg 240w, https://s.hdnux.com/photos/01/37/27/22/24999052/3/360x0.jpg 360w, https://s.hdnux.com/photos/01/37/27/22/24999052/3/480x0.jpg 480w, https://s.hdnux.com/photos/01/37/27/22/24999052/3/640x0.jpg 640w, https://s.hdnux.com/photos/01/37/27/22/24999052/3/720x0.jpg 720w, https://s.hdnux.com/photos/01/37/27/22/24999052/3/960x0.jpg 960w, https://s.hdnux.com/photos/01/37/27/22/24999052/3/1080x0.jpg 1080w, https://s.hdnux.com/photos/01/37/27/22/24999052/3/1440x0.jpg 1440w, https://s.hdnux.com/photos/01/37/27/22/24999052/3/1920x0.jpg 1920w, https://s.hdnux.com/photos/01/37/27/22/24999052/3/2200x0.jpg 2200w, https://s.hdnux.com/photos/01/37/27/22/24999052/3/2400x0.jpg 2400w" sizes="(min-width: 1200px) 1440px, 100vw" style="aspect-ratio:3 / 2" class="x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill"/>Indiana Fever guard Caitlyn Clark (22) drives past Dallas Wings forward Natasha Howard (6) during the first half of an WNBA basketball game in Arlington, Texas, Friday, May 3, 2024.Michael Ainsworth/APIndiana Fever guard Caitlyn Clark reacts after making a basket during the first half of an WNBA basketball game against the Dallas Wings in Arlington, Texas, Friday, May 3, 2024.Michael Ainsworth/APIndiana Fever head coach Christine Sides, left, talks to Indiana Fever guard Caitlyn Clark (22) as they play the Dallas Wings during the first half of an WNBA basketball game in Arlington, Texas, Friday, May 3, 2024.Michael Ainsworth/APIndiana Fever guard Caitlyn Clark (22) reacts after making a three-point shot against the Dallas Wings during the first half of an WNBA basketball game in Arlington, Texas, Friday, May 3, 2024.Michael Ainsworth/APIndiana Fever guard Caitlyn Clark (22) is introduced during the first half of an WNBA basketball game against the Dallas Wings in Arlington, Texas, Friday, May 3, 2024.Michael Ainsworth/APIndiana Fever guard Caitlyn Clark warms up prior to an WNBA basketball game against the Dallas Wings in Arlington, Texas, Friday, May 3, 2024.Michael Ainsworth/APPailynn Amos, center, holds a sign for Indiana Fever guard Caitlyn Clark in front of her mother Rebecca Amos of Ennis, Texas, prior to an WNBA basketball game against the Dallas Wings in Arlington, Texas, Friday, May 3, 2024.Michael Ainsworth/APIowa fans cheer the Indiana Fever and player Caitlyn Clark, as they play against the Dallas Wings during an WNBA basketball game in Arlington, Texas, Friday, May 3, 2024.Michael Ainsworth/APIndiana Fever guard Caitlyn Clark (22) reacts after missing a three-point shot as they lost to the Dallas Wings during an WNBA basketball game in Arlington, Texas, Friday, May 3, 2024.Michael Ainsworth/APIndiana Fever guard Caitlyn Clark, left, signs autographs for Iowa fans after Indiana lost to the Dallas Wings during an WNBA basketball game in Arlington, Texas, Friday, May 3, 2024.Michael Ainsworth/AP

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — More than three hours before Caitlin Clark made her WNBA debut with the Indiana Fever in an exhibition game against the Dallas Wings on Friday night, some fans among the sellout crowd were lined up outside the arena dressed in No. 22 University of Iowa jerseys.

The two-time NCAA women’s basketball player of the year led all first-half scorers with 16 points in 16 minutes and finished with a team-high 21 points in the Fever’s 79-76 loss. She was 6 of 15 from the field including 5 of 13 from deep, and had three rebounds, two assists, four fouls and five turnovers.