Older Adults, New Mobility, and Automated Vehicles

This report explores how older adults may be affected by the introduction of automated vehicles (AVs). It focuses on highly automated Level 4 AVs, self-driving vehicles that require no human supervision as long as certain conditions are met. It is based on information gathered from a literature review, interviews with subject matter experts, and a roundtable discussion held September 23, 2020. The report discusses possible unintended consequences of AVS for older adults, especially for those individuals harder to serve. Key challenges identified include: safely getting into and out of vehicles, stowing bags or mobility aids, getting to a curb if using a walker or wheelchair, orienting oneself when dropped off, and identifying the vehicle without a smartphone. A framework is presented for decisionmakers to use when evaluating AV design and public policy to ensure that the needs of populations, such as older adults and people with disabilities, are met.

• Record URL:
  • https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/ppi/2021/02/older-adults-new-mobility-automated-vehicles.doi.10.26419-2Fppi.00132.001.pdf
• Summary URL:
  • https://www.urbanismnext.org/resources/older-adults-new-mobility-and-automated-vehicles
• Record URL:
  • https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/60303
• Corporate Authors:

  AARP Public Policy Institute

  ,    

  RAND Corporation

  ,    

  Urbanism Next

  University of Oregon
  Portland, OR  United States 
• Authors:
  • Fraade-Blanar, Laura
  • Larco, Nico
  • Best, Ryan
  • Swift, Tiffany
  • Blumenthal, Marjory S
• Publication Date: 2021-2

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Appendices; Photos; References;
• Pagination: 58p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aged; Autonomous vehicles; Level 4 driving automation; Mobility; Persons with disabilities; Public policy; Recommendations; Vehicle design
• Subject Areas: Highways; Planning and Forecasting; Policy; Society; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01766479
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: NTL, TRIS
• Created Date: Mar 8 2021 11:42AM