As autonomous vehicles become more prevalent on our roads, it is crucial to address the unique challenges they present, such as how they interact with law enforcement officers and other public safety scenarios.
Autonomous driving technology is being tested and refined at the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) to ensure safe and efficient interactions with law enforcement and other public safety officials.
In recent years, VTTI researchers have been working on developing answers to various scenarios involving autonomous vehicles. One such scenario involves a vehicle coming to a halt on the highway shoulder without a driver. This situation can be particularly challenging for law enforcement officers who are used to approaching a driver during a traffic stop. To address this issue, VTTI has developed a series of displays that can interact with police officers. These displays allow officers to contact a fleet manager or talk to a human to help resolve the situation.
The goal of these interactions is to ensure that law enforcement officers can safely carry out their duties while also addressing the unique challenges posed by autonomous vehicles. One of the key issues being explored is how the vehicle can identify someone who is or is not an authority and determine what authority they should have over the vehicle.
To showcase their progress, VTTI recently held a demonstration of their autonomous driving technology, called the Safely Operating ADS (Autonomous Driving Systems) in Challenging Dynamic Scenarios project. The event featured VTTI’s Level 4 autonomous Ford F-150 navigating through various public safety interactions on the Interstate 395 express lanes.
Level 4 autonomy refers to a certain level of operational design where the vehicle is capable of operating itself without the need for a driver to take over. However, it is important to note that the current capabilities of autonomous vehicles can be compared to that of a toddler. While they can perform many tasks, they still lack the experience to navigate all situations safely.
In conclusion, the development of autonomous driving technology at VTTI is focused on addressing the challenges posed by interactions with law enforcement officers and other public safety scenarios. By creating displays that allow for communication between the vehicle and officers, VTTI aims to ensure that autonomous vehicles can operate safely and efficiently in real-world situations. As autonomous technology continues to advance, it is crucial to prioritize the safety and effectiveness of these vehicles in order to fully realize their potential for a more sustainable future.
