Federal Highway Administration National Dialogue on Highway Automation: November 14-15, 2018 Infrastructure Design and Safety Workshop Summary
Key Takeaways
Infrastructure Standards May Need Updates to Accommodate AV Technology
Existing infrastructure standards do not necessarily reflect the introduction of automated vehicles. As a result, they may require updates to accommodate new infrastructure requirements needed for AVs to operate safely and efficiently on public roads. Workshop participants emphasized the importance of reviewing infrastructure standards, such as the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) to assess needed updates. In addition, they discussed exploring a more flexible and nimble approach to updating and developing standards. Given the rapid pace of AV technology development, the standards development process may need to accelerate to keep pace with AV technology.
Infrastructure Changes and Funding Needs Remain Unclear
The specific infrastructure requirements for enabling AVs remain unclear. Some developers of AV technology have suggested that changes in the roadway design, condition, and level of maintenance can enable operations of AVs. Yet, other AV technology developers suggest that infrastructure changes are not needed because they are designing AVs to operate on the roadway infrastructure as it exists today. Participants discussed how IOOs seek greater clarity, not only on the infrastructure requirements and conditions needed to enable AV technology, but also the funding implications that may result from any infrastructure improvements. New funding mechanisms may need to be explored as AV infrastructure requirements become better understood.
Interactions Between AVs and Non-AVs Need to Be Better Understood to Ensure Safe Roadways
Automated vehicles will need to be able to interact safely with human drivers, bicyclists, pedestrians, and all road users. Participants noted how the vehicle fleet will likely remain diverse, including automated and non-automated vehicles, in the near future. As a result, AVs should have the capability to interpret the intent and movements of human drivers and other road users. In particular, human drivers and vulnerable road users often use nonverbal cues to communicate (e.g., hand signals). These types of interactions may require further exploration and should be considered in AV technology design.
Automated Vehicle Data Can Inform Safety and Infrastructure Management
Automated vehicles could generate large quantities of data that may benefit State and local agencies and the transportation community. Workshop participants discussed how AV-related data might allow them to identify the locations of traffic incidents, infrastructure in disrepair, and other roadway conditions that are otherwise not captured by conventional data collection methods. Infrastructure owners and operators, in particular, expressed an interest in having access to data generated by AVs, as the data could lead to improvements in infrastructure maintenance and traffic safety.
Communication Among Stakeholders and with the Public Will Be Critical for Safe and Successful Deployment of AVs
Workshop participants expressed an interest in facilitating more communication between IOOs and industry, especially those entities involved in developing AV technology. This could help inform what (if any) changes to infrastructure are helpful for supporting AV operations. Additionally, clear and consistent terminology is necessary to support open conversations between stakeholders and to better inform the general public. The general public may not always have access to understandable information on the nature of AVs and their capabilities.
Public Education, Engagement, and Training Are Critical for the Successful Implementation of AVs
Public acceptance of AVs should be a priority and can be addressed through education, engagement, and training. Various types of information could be useful for the public such as information on AV technology and its capabilities. Workshop participants suggested that creating a coherent messaging strategy about AVs, especially the safety benefits of AV technology, is important for adoption. Suggested methods to share information with the public included informational materials shared through State and local DOT and MPO channels, community workshops and demonstrations, and open communication about pilot testing. Multiple entities were suggested as potential leaders in this space, including the federal government, State and local governments, MPOs, educational or community institutions, associations, law enforcement, and industry.
