Numerical Crash Analyses of Underrepresented Populations in Autonomous Vehicles

Abstract

This thesis conducts a thorough analysis to better understand the safety concerns associated with the deployment of autonomous vehicles (AVs) on our roads. It hopes to highlight important issues that are frequently disregarded in the discourse at large. As autonomous vehicle technology develops, it is critical to acknowledge that the transitional period, during which AVs coexist with conventional vehicles, presents a special set of difficulties, main among them being safety. Research on various interior configurations for Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) with the goal of improving comfort and supporting flexible seating arrangements is a key area of interest. However, this divergence from conventional vehicle designs raises important safety issues, particularly with regard to the lack of components meant to reduce the likelihood of injuries, like foot and knee supports. To address and mitigate these safety concerns, a great deal of literature research is carefully done, guaranteeing that innovations in AV design put passenger safety first. This study highlights the underrepresentation of females and individuals with disabilities in existing research, signaling a crucial area for future investigation and development. It highlights not only how important it is to welcome diverse populations but also how important it is to establish an atmosphere in which every person, regardless of gender or ability, is given equal weight in the development of Autonomous Vehicle (AV) technology. In addition to that, the benefits of using HBMs over ATDs for such diverse populations and for safety valuation are addressed.