Strategies to Prepare for Connected, Automated Vehicles (CAV)
Today, the prevalence of the connected and automated vehicle, or CAV technology, has the potential to transform the entire transportation industry.
Thanks to innovative technologies, such as smart infrastructure, advanced wireless communication, and on-vehicle sensors, it’s possible for CAVs to improve safety while reducing congestion, creating a more efficient network for transportation, and increasing equity and mobility.
It’s worth noting that vehicles with connected and automated features are already found on the roads. However, fully autonomous and connected vehicles are still a decade away (at least) and even longer before they are considered “commonplace.”
While this is true, there are a few strategies that public agencies can do today to prepare for the future of CAVs.
Are you ready to learn more? Do you want to know what you can do to prepare for the growing CAV technology? If so, keep reading. Here you can find some strategies you can use to embrace this technology and use it to its full potential.
Create Policies to Support CAV Technology
The technology and automotive industries are working tirelessly to develop systems to help increase and propel CAVs. Even though regulation is important to ensure an equitable and safe transportation system, the proper policies must be enacted to support the development of CAV technology.
One example includes issues like safe vehicle testing, driver training standards, insurance, privacy, and data access. All these issues must be addressed and discussed.
Hiring a consultant from DMI is a great way to figure out what policies need to be created to support your CAV strategy. With this type of professional help, you can avoid making mistakes when developing this strategy for the future.
Understand the Existing Transportation Issues for CAV Opportunities
There are several challenges related to the current transportation network that may be able to be addressed with CAV solutions. One example is SRF, which is currently completing a CAV study linked to the Highway 52 Corridor between Rochester and St. Paul, Minnesota, to address equity, transit, mobility, and safety issues throughout the corridor.
Possible CAV applications include hazard warning systems, special-purpose data portals including connected vehicle features, and traveler information systems.
Make Sure to Implement CAVs Into Your Strategic Planning
Even though the precise impact of CAVs in the future is still unknown, they should be considered during your strategic planning. CAV technologies may make narrower lanes possible, encourage the ownership of unique vehicle models, and promote autonomous shuttles.
It’s important to consider the lessons learned from various pilot projects and stakeholder outreach. All this should be used for transportation planning strategies and efforts.
Complement CVA Technologies by Standardizing and Updating Your Infrastructure
It’s important to realize that automated vehicles rely heavily on roadway infrastructure. This includes traffic signal systems, traffic control signs, pavement markings, and more to engage in automated maneuvers, like lane-keeping assist and eco-driving.
Even though standardizing the infrastructure helps facilitate the efficient and safe operations of different automated vehicles, drivers of traditional vehicles also benefit from other factors. This includes things like consistent and properly maintained signage and pavement markings.
Plan and Consider the Build Out Process for Communications Infrastructure to Provide Support for CAV Applications
Today, the technologies used to support and facilitate CAVs are growing and evolving continuously. While this is true, the methods in place rely on how well it’s possible to efficiently communicate large amounts of data.
An example of how this is developing can be seen in Hennepin County. Here, over 100 miles of fiber optic infrastructure were put in place to provide more reliable communications for the area’s traffic signal systems throughout the county, which will help ensure future CAV applications are successful.
Even though deploying large fiber optic systems is a significant investment, installing empty conduits is possible when roadway reconstruction projects are being completed. This will help expand communication networks to be more cost-effective down the road.
Invest in the Necessary Infrastructure to Support CAVs
Along with CAV technologies, future vehicles will rely on infrastructure designed for electric vehicles. Various agencies can provide different incentives on the local level to help encourage the use of electric vehicles.
It’s also possible to use available infrastructure investments and collaborate with electric providers and landowners to provide plenty of support and ensure sufficient charging stations are available – even in rural areas – for the use of electric vehicles.
Utilize Test Deployments and Pilot Projects for CAV Technology
Try to find new opportunities to work within the industry to see what you can do to get involved with new CAV projects. Be sure to find and utilize CAV data and applications that will help improve traffic operations and safety. You can use pilot projects to understand maintenance requirements and future operations.
Consider Partnering with Other Public Agencies
Public agencies across the United States are working to determine what type of future they have in the CAV realm. It’s possible to use various public agencies, such as the CAT, ITE, and IEEE, to develop and exchange information regarding best practices.
You should constantly search for the opportunity to collaborate with pilot projects focused on CAV to share your lessons and resources. This is invaluable and will help the entire technology grow in impressive ways.
Get the Workforce Ready for CAV Technology
As technology builds in the tech industry, more and more skills will be needed to design, implement, operate, and maintain the CAV applications.
Even though professions such as civil engineering will remain invaluable, wireless communication technicians and software developers will be necessary to provide additional support for the entire transportation network.
It’s a good idea to identify the skills necessary to support CAV technologies and to create a talent pipeline for the development and future of CAV.
The Future and CAV: Are You Ready?
The technology and innovations around CAV are continually developing. Because of this, you must take steps to understand what it means for you. There’s a lot of information out there, but the tips and resources here will help you prepare for the future of CAV and what it offers.
Be sure to keep this information in mind. It will help you take the right steps to embrace what it offers and prepare for how transportation is bound to change.
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