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Center for Advancing Research in Transportation Emissions, Energy, and Health (CARTEEH)

A USDOT University Transportation Center

Vehicle Automation

Vehicle automation promises a future of increased road safety and increased mobility for those who currently do not drive, such as children, older adults, and those with conditions that prevent them from driving. Taking human drivers out of the driving equation is anticipated to reduce the number of roadway crashes, reduce vehicle emissions, and improve overall social connectivity.2

Considering this strategy will help achieve the goal of the following objectives

  • Less Contamination
  • Less Emissions
  • Less Traffic Noise
  • Connectivity and Inclusion
  • Healthy Destinations
  • Less Traffic Violence
  • Active Transportation
  • Green Space

Transportation lifecycle phases

This strategy is associated with the following transportation lifecycle phases:

  • Construction
  • End of Life
  • Maintenance
  • Material Selection
  • Operations
  • Policy and Planning
  • Project Development

Who's involved

  • Automakers
  • Local governments
  • Policymakers
  • Transit agencies
Vehicle automation promises a future of increased road safety and increased mobility for those who currently do not drive, such as children, older adults, and those with conditions that prevent them from driving. Taking human drivers out of the driving equation is anticipated to reduce the number of roadway crashes, reduce vehicle emissions, and improve overall social connectivity.2

How it Helps

Vehicle automation, especially at the highest levels of automation, is expected to provide mobility options and increase social inclusion for those who currently do not drive (children, those with disabilities or conditions that preclude driving, and older adults). Depending on ownership models (private or shared) and pricing, automation may also provide for increased mobility for people unable to afford a private vehicle.1 Vehicle automation can allow for more efficient traffic flow, thus reducing vehicle emissions and enhancing the safety of road users by minimizing crash risks.

Implementing

Partnerships:
Public health practitioners are encouraged to monitor trends as AVS are introduced into the transportation system so that they can participate in discussions of design, regulation, and ownership models and help ensure that laws, policies, and vehicle/infrastructure designs are supporting positive health outcomes.2 Partnerships like the one between the AV manufacturer Nuro, Houston Metro, and Kroger Grocery stores to serve paratransit riders should be studied to understand how industry and government can safely and inclusively develop technology.

Examples

1) Nuro and Houston METRO Partnership

In 2021, automotive technology manufacturer Nuro and transit authority Houston METRO partnered with Kroger Grocery stores in a research pilot offering AV delivery service to paratransit customers.

https://medium.com/nuro/partnering-with-houston-metro-to-deliver-for-people-with-disabilities-a35fd043eb85

1. Milakis, D., et al. (2020). Chapter 4—Implications of vehicle automation for accessibility and social inclusion of people on low income, people with physical and sensory disabilities, and older people. Demand for Emerging Transportation Systems, 61-73. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-815018-4.00004-8
2. Dean, J., et al. (2019). Holding the keys to health? A scoping study of the population health impacts of automated vehicles. BMC Public Health, 19. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-019-7580-9