UCLA Institute of Transportation Studies

To prepare for the arrival of autonomous vehicles, the Los Angeles Department of City Planning is exploring land-use strategies to optimize the potential safety and environmental and access benefits of this new technology. Self-driving or autonomous vehicles have captured the imagination of many, including transportation officials, the media, technology entrepreneurs, and travelers. At the same time, this new technology raises complicated questions related to ethics, liability, accessibility, and safety.Technology companies and auto manufacturers are testing autonomous vehicles on public roads today.Although self-driving technology is still under development, advancements are occurring rapidly. In order to capture the benefits and minimize the costs of autonomous vehicles, cities must take advantage of this testing period to prepare for an autonomous future. Autonomous vehicles have the potential to transform mobility in Los Angeles by providing populations previously unable or unwilling to drive with access to vehicles, eliminating human error in traffic crashes, and increasing efficiency through connected vehicle technology; however, these benefits are not assured. In the absence of advanced preparation and planning, there may be unintentional adverse effects, including increased sprawl, vehicle miles traveled, commute distances, and automobile-related pollution.