during my 75 km commute, i often come across some big trucks i know are heading to the same area as me, id love to be able to lock onto one, and then lean back and read a book instead. I can imagine teaching my gps to alert me, if it diverts from my chosen route, if i managed to choose one that goes astray :-) else i could imaging cars broadcasting their destination via bluetooth or something similar, so you can find people heading the same way and then take turns being in front. with 4 m between the cars, I can imagine that you'll also save a bit on fuel this way.

It is important not to get behind somebody with better brakes.

I don't really see this happening in the real world, especially in the US.
I'm wondering how lane changes would be handled if the lead vehicle came across someone doing way under the limit, farm machinery, car about to break down, lane closure due to an obstruction or construction. Would the entire train change lanes too? What about other cars in the lanes next to the train?
Speaking of the lead vehicle, I want to hear more about the "professional driver" leading the pack. Is this term being used to separate truck drivers from commuters in cars? Or is this someone who's job it is to lead other cars down the road? Does this mean that he runs on a schedule, like a bus or train? Who pays for him to do this? How do I get that job!

I have to wonder however, with this follow option, if the vehicle you follow suddenly turns, fall asleep, swerves off the road, etc, or even if they cut back into a lane when there is a space for them, but not a space for you. I think a software program that integrates a "follow the road" technique with 'safety bumper" zones to keep spacing consistent would be more practical and safe.

In a perfect world this would be great, but locking onto a total stangers car with blind faith they have properly maintianed it is just crazy.
I can foresee a new industry poping up to rival trains for passenger travel as companies set up routes between cities and provide an escort vehicle for you to lock on to for a fee. You can even work out connections with other escort vehciles on a in car itineray app. This could ensuring a well maintianed vehicle and set travel times with no baggage fees- ha ha!

Nice idea in theory, but kinda scary. I would only hope that the system could be overridden without having to deactivate it. I'm thinking about it's potential at traffic lights though.

What if something happens in front of the lead car too close for it to stop? I'd bet at least the first three cars in the train go crunch even if the second car tells all the others to emergency brake at the same time.

If the professional driver can control the last car independently he could use it as a blocker vehicle to clear the lane for the rest of the train to change lanes.
The problem of traffic lights is an erroneous assumption that the trains would run on routes that involve traffic lights instead of highways.
Paying for the service of the professional driver in the lead vehicle is simply a matter of paying the fare electronically (I am sure that most of the online money transfer companies would be ecstatic for the business.)
The lead vehicle must be specially configured whether it is a regularly scheduled commuter lead or a trucker trying to make a little extra profit. I would also like to be able to configure for a two car convoy capable of being driven with the second car unoccupied.

re; Gregg Eshelman
Unpleasant things happen, but the risk is no worse than if you are in a bus or driving your own car.

It's wonderful! I'm thimking that the driver can introduce the destination and even if he is in a road train and the car ahead him will blink to change direction off the route the car will keep it's traiectory...