MPC Research Reports
Report Details

Title:	Regional Emergency Evacuation Analysis in Traffic with Connected and Autonomous Vehicles
Authors:	Pan Lu, Ying Huang, Asad Ali, Salman Ahmad, Xinyi Yang, Yihao Ren, and Hafiz Usman Ahmed
University:	North Dakota State University
Publication Date:	Dec 2023
Report #:	MPC-23-509
Project #:	MPC-685
TRID #:	01905042
Keywords:	autonomous vehicles, connected vehicles, disasters and emergency operations, evacuation, microsimulation, stated preferences, wildfires

Abstract

In an ever-evolving world characterized by environmental challenges and technological advancements, the confluence of natural disasters, particularly increasing wildfire threats, and the role of connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs) stands as a critical focal point for research and innovation. This study embarks on a comprehensive exploration of this dynamic landscape, encompassing disaster management strategies, wildfire evacuation, and the integration of innovative CAV technology. Additionally, it delves into the intricate tapestry of public attitudes and perceptions surrounding CAVs, shedding light on the nuanced dynamics that influence technology acceptance. As our planet grapples with the escalating risks of natural disasters driven by climate change, and CAVs become an emerging reality, this research seeks to unravel the potential these vehicles hold in enhancing disaster response and reshaping the transportation landscape.

To understand how individuals perceive CAV technology, the research conducts a stated preference survey in distinctive environments, such as medium-sized towns marked by cold climates and significant academic populations. It reveals that the acceptance of CAVs is intertwined with factors like the perceived utility, perceived risk, and the potential for safety improvements under adverse weather conditions. These insights underscore the multifaceted nature of public sentiment and acceptance surrounding CAVs, highlighting the importance of grasping user perspectives in diverse urban settings.

In sum, this research navigates the complex terrain of natural disaster management and the burgeoning CAV technology landscape, uniting technology's transformative capabilities with the intricate interplay of human attitudes, and offering a comprehensive view of a world evolving in response to both environmental challenges and technological innovations.

How to Cite

Lu, Pan, Ying Huang, Asad Ali, Salman Ahmed, Xinyi Yang, Yihao Ren, and Hafiz Ahmed. Regional Emergency Evacuation Analysis in Traffic with Connected and Autonomous Vehicles, MPC-23-509. North Dakota State University - Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute, Fargo: Mountain-Plains Consortium, 2023.