Safety Concerns Of Autonomous Ground Vehiclesliterature Rev ✓ Solved

Write a literature review regarding the safety concerns of autonomous ground vehicles. Expand on research about accidents with AVs, their potential causation, and why people are afraid of using this technology, whether those fears are justified or not.

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Introduction

The rise of autonomous ground vehicles (AGVs) marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of transportation technology, promising to enhance road safety, reduce traffic collisions, and improve mobility. However, despite these advantages, safety concerns remain a significant barrier to widespread adoption. This literature review synthesizes current research on the safety concerns associated with AGVs, focusing on potential accident causation and public perception of risk.

Accidents Involving Autonomous Ground Vehicles

Research indicates that while automated vehicles have the potential to reduce traffic accidents by eliminating human error, concerns about their safety and reliability persist. Bansal et al. (2018) explore the public's readiness to accept connected and self-driving vehicles, revealing a general skepticism rooted in the fear of accidents. Particularly, the authors highlight instances where mistakes made by self-driving systems have led to accidents, raising questions about the technology's reliability. A case study focusing on Texan commuters found that many individuals were hesitant to ride in AGVs due to high-profile accidents involving automated cars, including fatalities, which led to a decline in public trust (Bansal et al., 2018).

Additionally, Liu et al. (2019) emphasize the psychological effects of biased responses toward traffic accidents involving self-driving vehicles. Their study demonstrated that people often exhibit heightened sensitivity to accidents involving AGVs compared to those involving human drivers, which exacerbates fears and undermines public acceptance. Notably, incidents that gain media attention can lead to public hysteria, disproportionately influencing perceptions about the technology's safety (Liu et al., 2019).

Public Perception and Fear of Adoption

Concerns regarding AGV safety are not limited to accident rates; they also stem from broader fears of technology dependence and control. Research by Zhang et al. (2019) delves into the relationship between initial trust, perceived risk, and public acceptance of automated vehicles. Their findings suggest that low initial trust in AGVs correlates with high levels of perceived risk, which consequently affects the willingness to adopt this technology. Such trust issues are often fueled by narratives of accidents and a lack of understanding of the technology's underlying mechanisms and safety features. Without establishing trust through effective communication of AGV functionalities and safety measures, public apprehension is likely to persist.

Piao et al. (2016) further illuminate public views on the implementation of automated vehicles in urban areas. Their survey results reveal a significant divergence in public opinion, with fears about the technology intertwined with considerations of urban infrastructure and ethical dilemmas. Many respondents expressed concerns over who would be deemed responsible in the event of an accident, suggesting that liability issues remain a critical area of public anxiety (Piao et al., 2016).

Technological Limitations and Regulatory Challenges

One significant factor contributing to safety concerns is the technological limitations of autonomous systems. Automated vehicles rely on complex algorithms and sensors to navigate safely, yet these systems can malfunction or misinterpret data in unpredictable circumstances. Cunningham et al. (2019) posit that while advanced technologies mitigate certain risks, the unpredictable nature of real-world driving scenarios presents challenges that AGVs may not yet be equipped to handle. This perspective reinforces public hesitation concerning the safety of AGVs, particularly in dynamic environments like urban settings.

Moreover, regulatory challenges further complicate the matter. The lack of cohesive safety standards for AGVs across regions leads to public skepticism about their safety. According to Winter et al. (2020), the absence of uniform regulations hinders developers from addressing safety concerns effectively, thus perpetuating fears regarding automated vehicles. Consumers are more likely to feel secure in technologies that are governed by comprehensive, transparent safety regulations, which highlights the need for policymakers to address these gaps proactively.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while autonomous ground vehicles have the potential to revolutionize transportation and enhance safety, significant concerns inhibit public acceptance. Accidents involving AVs, biased perceptions toward technology, and regulatory challenges contribute to a climate of apprehension. Addressing these issues is paramount for fostering trust and encouraging the adoption of autonomous technology. Continued research and community engagement will be crucial in dispelling misconceptions and promoting a safer, more efficient future for autonomous mobility.

References

  • Bansal, P., Kockelman, K. M. (2018). Are we ready to embrace connected and self-driving vehicles? A case study of Texans. Transportation, 45(2). Link

  • Cunningham, M. L., Regan, M. A., Ledger, S. A., & Bennett, J. M. (2019). To buy or not to buy? Predicting willingness to pay for automated vehicles based on public opinion. Transportation Research Part F, 65. Link

  • Liljamo, T., Liimatainen, H., & Pà¶llà¤nen, M. (2018). Attitudes and concerns on automated vehicles. Transportation Research Part F, 59, 24-44. Link

  • Liu, P., Du, Y., & Xu, Z. (2019). Machines versus humans: People’s biased responses to traffic accidents involving self-driving vehicles. Accident Analysis and Prevention, 125. Link

  • Piao, J., McDonald, M., Hounsell, N., Graindorge, M., Graindorge, T., & Malhene, N. (2016). Public views towards implementation of automated vehicles in urban areas. Transportation Research Procedia, 14. Link

  • Winter, S. R., Rice, S., & Lamb, T. L. (2020). A prediction model of consumer's willingness to fly in autonomous air taxis. Journal of Air Transport Management, 89, 101926. Link

  • Zhang, T., Tao, D., Qu, X., Zhang, X., Lin, R., & Zhang, W. (2019). The roles of initial trust and perceived risk in public’s acceptance of automated vehicles. Transportation Research Part C, 98. Link