Autonomous vehicle technology : a guide for policymakers / James M. Anderson, Nidhi Kalra, Karlyn D. Stanley, Paul Sorensen, Constantine Samaras, Oluwatobi A. Oluwatola.

"RAND Corporation research report series."--Web page (PDF).

"This report results from the RAND Corporation's Investment in People and Ideas program."--Verso of title page.

"RAND Transportation, Space, and Technology Program"

"RR-443-1-RC"--Page 4 of cover.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 165-185).

The automotive industry appears close to substantial change engendered by "self-driving" technologies. This technology offers the possibility of significant benefits to social welfare: saving lives; reducing crashes, congestion, fuel consumption, and pollution; increasing mobility for the disabled; and ultimately improving land use. This report is intended as a guide for state and federal policymakers on the many issues that this technology raises.

Preface -- Contents -- Figures and Tables -- Summary -- Acknowledgments -- Abbreviations -- CHAPTER ONE. Introduction. What Are Autonomous and Automated Vehicles? Why Is Autonomous Vehicle Technology Important Now? What Decisions Do Policymakers Face? --

CHAPTER TWO. The Promise and Perils of Autonomous Vehicle Technology. A Summary of the Social Costs of Driving. Effects of Autonomous Vehicle Technology on Safety and Crashes. Effect of Autonomous Vehicle Technologies on Mobility for Those Unable to Drive. Congestion. Potential Effects on Traffic Congestion. Potential Effects on the Costs of Traffic Congestion. Land Use. Energy and Emissions Implications of Autonomous Vehicles. Fuel Economy. Autonomous Vehicles Might Enable Alternative Fuels. How Will Travel Demand Affect Energy and Emissions? Costs and Disadvantages. Conclusion --

CHAPTER THREE. Current State Law and Legislative Activity. Nevada's Certificate of Compliance. Comparison of State Legislation. Nevada (NRS 482.A and NAC 482.A). Florida (Fla. Stat. Title XXIII, Ch. 319, S 145). California (Cal. Veh. Code, Division 16.6). Washington, D.C. (L19-0278). Ongoing Legislation in Other States. Arizona (HB 2167). Colorado (SB 13-016). Hawaii (HB 1461). Massachusetts (HB 3369). Michigan (SB 0169). New Hampshire (HB 444). New Jersey (A2757). New York (S4912). Oklahoma (HB 3007). Oregon (HB 2428). South Carolina (HB 4015). Texas (HB 2932). Washington (HB 1649). Wisconsin (SB 80). Stakeholder Interviews. Conclusion --

CHAPTER FOUR. Brief History and Current State of Autonomous Vehicles. A Brief History. Phase 1: Foundational Research. Phase 2: Grand Challenges. Phase 3: Commercial Development. State of Autonomous Vehicle Technology. Making Sense of the World. Integrity, Security, and Verification. Policy Implications. Conclusion --

CHAPTER FIVE. The Role of Telematics and Communications. A Review of the Communications Technologies Used by Autonomous Vehicles. Commercial Wireless Services. Dedicated Short-Range Communications. Bluetooth. Wi-Fi. Stakeholder Viewpoints on Autonomous Vehicle Communications. Spectrum Issues for Autonomous Vehicles. Who Regulates It? Will Spectrum Regulation Affect the Deployment of Autonomous Vehicles? How Will the FCC Proceed to Make Decisions Concerning DSRC Spectrum? How Will the FCC Weigh Competing Claims Concerning Spectrum Use? Spectrum Policy Issues. Other Autonomous Vehicle Technology Communications Policy Issues. Distracted Driving Laws. Developmental Standards. Data Security. Data Ownership and Privacy. Conclusion --

CHAPTER SIX. Standards and Regulations and Their Application to Autonomous Vehicle Technologies. Overview of Regulations for Automobiles. Case Study: Air-Bag Regulation. Current Standards and Regulations for Autonomous Vehicle Technologies. Future Implications for Standards and Regulations for Autonomous Vehicle Technologies. Standards and Regulations to Facilitate Human-Machine Interaction. Performance Standards and Regulations. Conclusion --

CHAPTER SEVEN. Liability Implications of Autonomous Vehicle Technology. Tort Liability for Drivers and Insurers. Theories of Driver Liability. Autonomous Vehicle Technologies, Liability of Drivers, and Insurance. Liability of Manufacturers. The Role of Cost-Benefit Analysis. Types of Defectiveness. Human-Computer Interaction. Effect of Regulation on Liability and Preemption. Explicit Legislative Preemption. Conclusion --

CHAPTER EIGHT. Guidance for Policymakers and Conclusion. Risks from Market Failure. Risks from Regulation. Risks from Liability. Federal Statute Limiting Tort. No-Fault Approach. Irrebuttable Presumption of Driver Control of Vehicle. Incorporation of Appropriate Cost-Benefit Tests in Liability Determinations. What Principles Should Guide Policymakers? Policy Research Needs. Conclusion --

APPENDIX. Conclusions from Qualitative Interviews with Stakeholders -- Bibliography.