Project: #489 Analysis of Contributing Factors in Crashes Involving Electric Vehicles and Vehicles with Automated Features Progress Report - Reporting Period Ending: March 31, 2025 Principal Investigator: Corey Harper Status: Active Start Date: July 1, 2024 End Date: June 30, 2025 Research Type: None Grant Type: Research Advanced Grant Program: US DOT BIL, Safety21, 2023 - 2028 (4811) Grant Cycle: Safety21 : 24-25 Progress Report (Last Updated: March 17, 2025, 12:20 p.m.) % Project Completed to Date: None % Grant Award Expended: None % Match Expended & Document: None USDOT Requirements Accomplishments The purpose of this research is to assess how automated driving systems as well as vehicle electrification are affecting road safety. This project has supported the training of one graduate student who is developing machine learning approaches to better understand the factors contributing to crashes involving AVs and EVs. The proposed project will create an environment that links local and state government to each other and to university students. Working closely with the City of Pittsburgh and PennDOT throughout this project, will provide an opportunity for students to network and learn the missions and goals of these organizations, providing them with pathways to obtain internships and higher paying jobs after graduation (e.g., Director of Public Policy). Over the past few months we have collected and analyzed national AV crash data and developed a framework to classify crashes and interpret contributing factors. We plan to present this work at upcoming seminars and to the Sandia National Laboratory. Other dissemination activities include preparing a paper to submit to a journal and conference presentation at 2025 TRB. Collaborations: As a part of this project we have met with representatives from PennDOT (state transportation agency) and the City of Pittsburgh (local transportation agency). Impacts The outputs of this project will help NHTSA, USDOT, and car manufacturers better understand the infrastructure, sensor improvements, and policies needed to improve traffic safety with higher AV and EV penetration. This project will also increase our knowledge about what the contributing factors are for EV and AV crashes. and those policies to improve road safety. Other New methodologies, policy recommendations, and tools to assess the contributing factors in AV and EV crashes. Outcomes New Partners N/A Issues N/A