AV Incident Management

Autonomous Vehicle Incident Management Support

Operating AV's  brings unique challenges in managing incidents effectively. To ensure a structured approach, we present an Incident Management Framework based on ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) principles. ITIL's best practices provide a systematic way to handle accidents involving AVs by focusing on the prevention of incidents, prompt response, and continual service improvement. This framework can be tailored to align with the specific requirements of the operator and their operational domain, considering the regulatory environment and urban complexity.

 

Objectives

The key objectives of the Incident Management Framework are:

  • Minimize the impact of autonomous vehicle accidents on public safety and traffic flow.
  • Ensure prompt response and communication with stakeholders.
  • Identify root causes to prevent the recurrence of incidents.
  • Improve public trust in autonomous vehicle technology

Scope

The framework applies to all incidents involving autonomous vehicles in the operators fleet, ranging from minor disruptions to major accidents involving property damage or injuries. It covers coordination with emergency services, local authorities, manufacturers, and other stakeholders.

The Framework

1. Incident Identification

The first step in the process is identifying the incident. Incidents can be identified through:

- Autonomous Vehicle Monitoring Systems: Built-in sensors and control systems detect any deviation from expected behavior.

- Public and Driver Reporting: Reports from individuals who witness or are involved in the incident.

- City Traffic Management Systems: Integration with the city's traffic monitoring systems to detect unusual traffic patterns, collisions, or obstructions.

 

Real-time identification is crucial for a prompt response, especially in a congested urban environment like Los Angeles.

 

2. Incident Logging

 

Once an incident is identified, it should be logged into a centralized Incident Management System (IMS). The IMS should contain:

- Date and time of the incident.

- Location of the incident (GPS coordinates).

- Vehicle details, including make, model, and autonomous level.

- Initial assessment of the incident (e.g., minor collision, injury, traffic obstruction).

- Data from vehicle sensors, including speed, braking data, and camera footage.

 

Accurate and thorough logging ensures that all relevant information is captured for investigation and reporting.

 

3. Incident Categorization

 

Incidents should be categorized based on their severity and impact on traffic and public safety. Categories can include:

**Minor Incident**: No injuries and minimal property damage.

**Moderate Incident**: Involves minor injuries or moderate property damage, possibly impacting traffic flow.

**Major Incident**: Involves severe injuries or fatalities, significant property damage, or major disruption to city traffic.

 

Categorization helps determine the appropriate response and resource allocation.

 

 

 

4. Prioritization

 

The prioritization of incidents should consider the severity of the incident and its impact on public safety. For example:

- **High Priority**: Incidents involving injuries, fatalities, or significant disruption to major roadways.

- **Medium Priority**: Incidents causing moderate traffic disruption or minor injuries.

- **Low Priority**: Incidents that do not pose immediate danger and have minimal impact on traffic.

 

Prioritization ensures that resources are allocated efficiently, with the most severe incidents receiving immediate attention.

 

 

 

 

 

5. Investigation and Diagnosis

 


The next step is to investigate the incident to determine its root cause. This involves:

- Analysis of vehicle sensor data and logs to identify anomalies.

- Coordination with AV manufacturers to conduct a technical assessment.

- Reviewing video footage and environmental conditions at the time of the incident (e.g., weather, road conditions).

- Identifying any software or hardware malfunctions that may have contributed to the incident.

 

Collaboration between city authorities, AV companies, and technical experts is essential to conduct thorough investigations.

 

 

 

 

6. Resolution and Recovery

Based on the findings of the investigation, the next step is to implement corrective actions. This may include:

- Sending recovery vehicles to remove the AV from the incident site.

- Providing emergency medical services to injured individuals.

- Software updates or hardware repairs if the incident was caused by a technical issue.

- Traffic management measures to restore normal flow, such as rerouting vehicles or deploying traffic officers.

 

Quick resolution minimizes disruption and helps restore public confidence in autonomous vehicle technology.

 

 

 

 

7. Closure

Once the incident has been resolved, it should be formally closed in the IMS. This involves:

- Verifying that all corrective actions have been completed.

- Documenting the resolution process and any lessons learned.

- Notifying stakeholders, including city authorities, AV manufacturers, and the public, as appropriate.

 

Incident closure ensures that all aspects of the incident have been addressed and documented for future reference.

 

 

 

 

 

Communications Plan

Effective communication is critical for incident management. The communication plan should include:

  •  Internal Communication: Coordination between the Local DOT, emergency services, and AV operators.
  • External Communication: Public announcements via social media, traffic alerts, and coordination with news outlets to inform the public about road closures or safety measures.
  • Stakeholder Updates: Regular updates to stakeholders, including AV manufacturers, city officials, and regulatory bodies, on the progress of incident resolution.

 

 

 

Continual Improvement

The final component of the framework is continual improvement. Lessons learned from each incident should be analyzed to improve the Incident Management Framework and prevent future incidents. This can involve:

- **Root Cause Analysis**: Identifying systemic issues that contributed to the incident and developing solutions to address them.

- **Post-Incident Reviews**: Conducting reviews with all stakeholders to assess the effectiveness of the response and identify areas for improvement.

- **Training and Awareness**: Providing training sessions for AV operators, emergency responders, and city personnel on how to handle AV-related incidents effectively.