Pedestrians/Bicyclists and Autonomous Vehicles: How Will They Communicate?

Interpersonal roadway communication is a vital component of the transportation system. Road users communicate to coordinate movement and increase roadway safety. Future autonomous vehicle research needs to account for the role of interpersonal roadway communication. This literature review synthesizes research on interpersonal interaction between drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians while also directing attention to implications for autonomous and connected vehicle research. Articles were collected from TRID, PsycINFO, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect using search terms relevant to driving, communication, and vulnerable road users. The synthesis documents that interpersonal communication not only takes place but is also an important and understudied aspect of safe roadway travel. The review also found that road users employ a variety of communication methods that include gestures, facial expressions, and built-in vehicular devices. Comprehension of messages is influenced by several factors including culture, context, and experience. These results shed light on potential issues and challenges of interpersonal communication and the introduction of autonomous vehicles to the roadway.