Safety and Human Factors Considerations in Connected and Automated Vehicles: Research Findings and Future Needs

There has been a growing interest and continuous investment in advanced surface transportation technologies for more than two decades, especially areas related to connected and automated vehicles (CAV). Interest escalated when Google entered the domain in early 2010s, followed by establishment of multiple vehicle technology companies. Toward the end of 2010s, it looked like vehicles with advanced technologies were on the verge of becoming a widespread reality in our daily commute. Waymo indicated that individuals would be able to ride in self-driving cars in multiple locations. Uber were developing and testing a robo-taxi service. Automated shuttles and highly automated trucks were being deployed at various places for demonstration and data collection. As of today, many envisioned CAV applications that could dramatically change the ways we utilize our transportation systems have yet been realized. ‘Safety’ is likely one of the primary reasons for delayed adoption of CAV technologies. To maximize CAV’s safety benefits, these technologies need to be designed by considering their users – drivers and others who also use and share the surface transportation systems. This presentation will discuss a handful of research studies that examine people’s attitudes and understanding of CAV technologies in relationship to safety. Additionally, findings on the impact of education and training in relation to user interactions with them and their safety implications will be presented. This presentation will conclude with research needs in the safety and human factors domains of CAV.