AVSC Best Practice for Automated Driving System-Dedicated Vehicle (ADS-DV) Immediate Post-Crash Behaviors and Interactions

The behaviors and interactions of automated driving system-dedicated vehicles (ADS-DVs) following a crash can have continuing effects on road safety. As more ADS-DVs are commercially deployed and tested on public roads, it is important that systems are designed not only to prevent crashes, but to minimize the impact severity in situations where crashes cannot be avoided. Further injuries, vehicle and property damage, and secondary crashes can be mitigated based on appropriate ADS-DV behaviors and interactions following a crash.

This best practice defines five general crash stages, focusing on the Immediate Post-Crash stage. It presents a framework with examples of ADS-DV behavior and interaction activities. It includes recommendations on decision making and evaluation of immediate post-crash ADS-DV behaviors. The document also highlights three dependencies that impact the behavior and interaction of an ADS-DV. The dependencies are paired with illustrative scenarios, followed by questions and answers to explain possible considerations for the ADS-DV post crash behaviors and interactions. Stakeholder understanding of ADS-DV behaviors and interactions immediately following a crash supports the AVSC goal of helping to ensure safer, more predictable SAE level 4 and level 5 autonomous vehicles (AVs) and building public trust.