Autonomous Vehicles: Challenges, Opportunities, and Policy Implications for Future Transportation Systems

Authors

Ruchik Kashyapkumar Thaker

Abstract

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) present both disruptive challenges and transformative opportunities for the transportation sector, offering potential benefits in terms of safety, reduced congestion, fuel efficiency, and increased accessibility for underserved populations. However, barriers to widespread adoption persist, including high initial costs, inconsistent state-level testing and licensing regulations, unresolved liability and privacy concerns, and gaps in the integration of AVs into existing transportation systems. To address these challenges, this paper explores key issues related to AV technology, including safety, machine ethics, and communication technologies like vehicle-to-everything (V2X). It examines the role of connected vehicle systems in optimizing traffic flow and routing efficiency, proposing a conceptual model for fleet management that highlights the importance of intelligent transportation systems. Furthermore, the paper underscores the need for national policy frameworks that address these technological and regulatory gaps, offering a comprehensive review of AV development and policy implications.

Keywords

Autonomous Vehicles (AVs), Connected Vehicles, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) Communication, Safety and Security, Market Penetration and Policy

Autonomous Vehicles: Challenges, Opportunities, and Policy Implications for Future Transportation Systems. Ruchik Kashyapkumar Thaker. 2022. IJIRCT, Volume 8, Issue 2. Pages 1-7. https://www.ijirct.org/viewPaper.php?paperId=2410074