2018 Forum on the Impact of Vehicle Technologies and Automation on Vulnerable Road Users and Driver Behavior and Performance: A Summary Report

Overview

On Nov. 7 and 8, 2018, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety and the University of Iowa hosted a forum to discuss and identify future research needs on the impact of vehicle technologies and automation on vulnerable road users and on driver behavior and performance. This event followed from the inaugural forum, held in 2017, on similar issues related to emerging technologies. The 2018 event was attended by academics, automobile manufacturers and industry representatives, government agencies, advocacy groups and other research organizations. The forum was co-sponsored by AAA Public Affairs, The Auto Club Group, the AAA Life Insurance Co., the SAFER-SIM University Transportation Center, the Transportation Research Board and the National Advanced Driving Simulator at the University of Iowa.

The main objectives of this forum were to: (a) gather representatives/experts from the research community, government and industry to discuss and identify research needs/direction on the impact of vehicle technologies and automation on vulnerable road users and on driver behavior and performance, (b) develop a summary report documenting research needs and share it with other stakeholders to improve coordination and encourage collaboration, and (c) encourage and promote cooperative efforts in addressing these pressing research needs.

On Day 1, two expert panels were convened to discuss a variety of topics related to vehicle technology, automation and their interaction with transportation system users. Each panel discussion was followed by an extended question-and-answer period. On Day 2, all attendees engaged in small breakout group discussions and presentations aimed at identifying the most pressing research needs. The panel presentations and discussions, breakout group exercise and outcomes are described in the report.