Research and analysis

Performing tasks in automated passenger services during emergencies

A study that explores how people with protected characteristics may respond to emergencies in automated passenger services.

From:
Department for Transport and Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles
Published
23 June 2025

Documents

PDF, 3.01 MB, 106 pages

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Details

This report explores how passengers with protected characteristics may respond to emergency situations when travelling in automated passenger services (APS), such as self-driving taxis. The study used virtual reality methods to replicate real-life emergency scenarios.

The aims were to:

  • identify tasks that may have to be performed by users during emergencies and consider their needs for performing these tasks
  • conduct a task analysis of what tasks might be involved in this process, to identify where responsibilities lie and, where relevant, the interfaces which will facilitate these processes
  • develop qualitative understanding of diverse user experiences (cognitive, behavioural, emotional responses) during these tasks

The research, which was commissioned by the Centre for Connected Autonomous Vehicles, will be used to inform our connected and automated vehicle or self-driving vehicle policy.

Updates to this page

Published 23 June 2025

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