Laura Fraade-Blanar

The authors of this report explore a more expansive approach to readiness assessments--one that looks beyond the narrow lens of operational readiness more typical of readiness systems in use in the Department of Defense and considers a broader set of dimensions that could affect readiness outcomes. This more expansive perspective can lead to a better understanding of the root cause of readiness shortfalls.

Establishing whether automated vehicles (AVs) are acceptably safe is not straightforward, and continual technology modification adds complication. RAND researchers analyzed three approaches to assessing safety-measurements, processes, and thresholds-and noted the different kinds of evidence associated with each. This report also describes the challenges and options related to communicating about AV safety, especially to the general public.

This report presents a framework for measuring safety in automated vehicles (AVs) that could be used broadly by companies, policymakers, and the public. In it, the authors considered how to define safety for AVs, how to measure safety for AVs, and how to communicate what is learned or understood about AVs. The report also identifies key concepts and illuminates the kinds of measurements that might be made and communicated.