Oklahoma troopers train on how to safely interact with autonomous semi trucks during traffic stops

Troopers with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) held a training session to prep troopers for the deployment of autonomous commercial vehicles state roadways as early as this summer.

On the morning of May 19, OHP Troop S (Size and Weights Division) conducted training for troopers who will be interacting with self-driving trucks. An Aurora autonomous semi truck was on hand for the demonstration.

The purpose of the training was to instruct troopers on “how to safely interact with these vehicles during traffic stops and roadway encounters.”

OHP noted that autonomous semi trucks could begin operating along Oklahoma roadways “as early as this June along pre-mapped corridors.”

“Within the next year, Oklahomans may begin seeing fully autonomous commercial vehicles traveling without a driver behind the wheel,” troopers said.

Self-driving commercial vehicles have already been deployed other states, including Oklahoma’s neighboring Texas.

“As the state that sits at the crossroads of the United States, we fully expect to see this technology frequently traveling through Oklahoma,” OHP said.

In 2019, Oklahoma lawmakers passed the Oklahoma Driving Automation System Uniformity Act, which established state regulation of vehicles using advanced driving automation systems.