Contextualizing Human—Automated Vehicle Interactions: A Socio-Ecological Framework

Abstract

Automated vehicles (AVs) have given rise to a new field of study: human—automated vehicle interaction (H–AVI). Unfortunately, the H–AVI field has largely ignored the importance of context. To address this, this paper describes a socio-ecological view of H–AVI. Drawing on this view, the author briefly discusses and identifies unexplored areas. In doing so, the author draws attention to: (i) transportation infrastructure, (ii) national and regional differences, (iii) special and vulnerable populations and (iv) the impacts of multiple H–AVI types. This paper describes the challenges and opportunities in each of these areas.