A transport justice approach to integrating vulnerable road users with automated vehicles

A transport justice approach to integrating vulnerable road users with automated vehicles

Martínez-Buelvas, Laura (Universidad Tecnológica de Bolívar; Queensland University of Technology)
Rakotonirainy, Andry (Queensland University of Technology)
Grant-Smith, Deanna (Queensland University of Technology)
Oviedo-Trespalacios, O. (TU Delft Safety and Security Science; Queensland University of Technology)

2022

Connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) are expected to revolutionise transport worldwide and transform urban life. However, there are many unknowns concerning the impacts of these technologies in terms of sustainability, justice, and safety. It has been suggested that CAVs may exacerbate inequities and safety disparities concerning the interaction of vulnerable road users (VRUs) with motorised transport. This paper investigates the justice issues that CAVs policy needs to address concerning VRUs. Our approach to studying CAVs’ capabilities and their potential perverse outcomes uses transport justice as an evaluative framework. The justice-related outcomes discussed include: traffic injuries, impact on sharing road responsibilities, loss of on-street space, access to technology, inclusion for disabled and older adults, CAV technological development, and impact of congestion and air pollution. The paper proposes a future research agenda emphasising areas where CAVs may positively impact VRUs.

Connected and automated vehicles
Equity
Responsible risk management
Road safety
Sustainability
Transport justice

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:7e409725-f067-4c2c-82c0-0e536bff9daa

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trd.2022.103499

1361-9209

Transportation Research. Part D: Transport & Environment, 113

Institutional Repository

journal article

© 2022 Laura Martínez-Buelvas, Andry Rakotonirainy, Deanna Grant-Smith, O. Oviedo-Trespalacios