Autonomous Vehicles – Healthy Cities Toolkit

Description

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are vehicles that are technology driven without a requirement for active physical control or monitoring by humans [Rojas-Rueda 2020].

There has been keen interest in the development and real-world implementation of AV technology over the last few years [Pyo 2022].

Impact

A 2012 study on crashes in the United States showed that a 90% market penetration of AVs could save $27 billion in healthcare costs through a reduction of road traffic collisions [Sohrabi 2020].

Although it is generally believed that the use of AVs can lead to reductions in morbidity and mortality from road traffic collisions and promote healthy urban environments, health risks, including air pollution, noise, and sedentarism, have been acknowledged as a possible drawback to their use [Rojas-Rueda 2020].

Results

Two reviews were identified. One review that assessed the impact of AVs on public health was identified [Sohrabi 2020]. The review evaluated the results of several studies investigating the potential benefits of AVs and then used a conceptual model to generate policy recommendations to promote the beneficial use of AVs.

The second review assessed the impact of AVs on movement behaviour [Spence 2020]. A total of 70 articles were included. The studies were largely conducted in Europe (42%) or North America (40%).

Effect of AVs on health

Only a limited number of studies have assessed the impact of AVs on public health [Sohrabi 2020].
AVs can reduce the risk of road traffic collisions through the elimination of driver errors [Sohrabi 2020].
AVs can enhance the independent living of the elderly and consequently improve their health and well-being [Sohrabi 2020].
AVs can reduce traffic congestion and thus reduce the psychological stress associated with such driving situations [Sohrabi 2020].
AVs can increase air pollution and congestion, possibly through increases in vehicle-miles-travelled (VMT) [Sohrabi 2020].
AVs can result in a reduction in physical activity and sedentary lifestyles [Sohrabi 2020; Spence 2020].

Strength of the Evidence

The quality of primary studies in both reviews were not assessed. The evidence is therefore rated as low quality.

Recommendations

Consider traffic demand management strategies (e.g., road pricing, dedicated lanes for high-occupancy vehicles, parking pricing, etc.)
Further research to mitigate the risk of malfunctioning errors, system operation failure, and cybersecurity challenges of AVs
Future research should examine the factors that contribute to acceptability.

Resource implications

Autonomous Vehicles have high resource implications requiring sustained investment and further innovations to develop an effective long term solution.

Related Resources

Rojas-Rueda 2020. “Autonomous Vehicles and Public Health.” Annual review of public health vol. 41 (2020): 329-345. doi:10.1146/annurev-publhealth-040119-094035

Pyo 2022. “Development of an Autonomous Driving Vehicle for Garbage Collection in Residential Areas.” Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 22,23 9094. 23 Nov. 2022, doi:10.3390/s22239094

Reference to Reviews

Sohrabi 2020. “Impacts of Autonomous Vehicles on Public Health: A Conceptual Model and Policy Recommendations.” Sustainable Cities and Society Volume 63, December 2020, 102457I

Spence 2020. “Potential Impact of Autonomous Vehicles on Movement Behavior: A Scoping Review.” American journal of preventive medicine vol. 58,6 (2020): e191-e199. doi:10.1016/j.amepre.2020.01.010