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Safety Challenges for Autonomous Vehicles in the Absence of Connectivity
Article in International Journal of Scientific Research in Computer Science Engineering and Information Technology · October 2024
DOI: 10.32628/CSEIT241051033
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International Journal of Scientific Research in Computer Science, Engineering
and Information Technology
ISSN : 2456-3307 Available Online at : www.ijsrcseit.com
doi : https://doi.org/10.32628/CSEIT241051033
Safety Challenges for Autonomous Vehicles in the Absence of Connectivity
Spandana Sagam
General Motors, USA
ARTICLEINFO ABSTRACT
This article examines the critical safety challenges faced by autonomous vehicles
Article History: (AVs) operating in environments without connectivity. As the global AV market
Accepted : 25 Sep 2024 expands rapidly, the disparity in Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) infrastructure
Published: 07 Oct 2024 implementation across regions necessitates AVs to function safely in both
connected and non-connected scenarios. The article explores five key areas of
concern: limited real-time information access, absence of cooperative driving
Publication Issue capabilities, lack of remote software updates, reduced traffic ecosystem support,
Volume 10, Issue 5 and increased vulnerability to cybersecurity threats. By analyzing data from
Sep-Oct-2024 various transportation studies and industry reports, the article highlights the
significant impact of these challenges on AV performance, efficiency, and safety.
Page Number The research underscores the importance of developing robust, adaptable
355-362 systems that can operate effectively in diverse connectivity environments,
emphasizing the need for advanced onboard sensors, sophisticated AI algorithms,
and enhanced traffic management strategies to mitigate the risks associated with
non-connected autonomous driving.
Keywords : Autonomous Vehicles (AVs), Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X)
Communication, Connectivity Challenges, Traffic Management Systems,
Cybersecurity in AVs
Copyright © 2024 The Author(s) : This is an open access article under the CC BY license 355
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Spandana Sagam Int. J. Sci. Res. Comput. Sci. Eng. Inf. Technol., September-October-2024, 10 (5) : 355-362
I. INTRODUCTION 4. Inefficient traffic management: Without
connectivity to central traffic management
Autonomous vehicles (AVs) represent a paradigm shift systems, AVs may contribute to congestion and
in transportation, with the global AV market projected reduced overall traffic efficiency.
to reach $556.67 billion by 2026 [1]. However, these 5. Delayed emergency response: In the event of
advanced systems face significant safety challenges an accident or system failure, isolated AVs may
when operating without connectivity. While AVs are have difficulty promptly alerting emergency
designed to function independently, the lack of services or receiving assistance.
Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication can
severely impact their performance and reliability. This article explores these safety issues in depth,
V2X technology enables AVs to communicate with examining the technological, regulatory, and
infrastructure, other vehicles, and even pedestrians, infrastructural challenges that must be addressed to
creating a robust network of real-time information ensure the safe operation of AVs in both connected and
exchange. According to a study by the National non-connected environments.
Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), V2X
technology has the potential to address up to 80% of all Limited Real-Time Information
crash scenarios involving non-impaired drivers [2]. One of the most critical challenges faced by
This statistic underscores the critical role of autonomous vehicles (AVs) operating without
connectivity in enhancing AV safety. connectivity is the lack of access to real-time
However, the implementation of V2X infrastructure is information. This limitation significantly impacts the
not uniform across all regions. As of 2024, only 60% of vehicle's ability to make informed decisions and
major urban areas in developed countries have the navigate safely in dynamic environments. A study by
necessary V2X infrastructure to support fully the U.S. Department of Transportation estimated that
connected autonomous driving. This disparity means connected vehicle technologies could potentially
that AVs must be capable of operating safely even in address up to 80% of unimpaired driver crashes [2].
areas without connectivity. Without connectivity, AVs are unable to receive up-
When operating in isolation, AVs face several key to-date information about:
challenges: 1. Traffic conditions: Real-time traffic data is crucial
1. Limited situational awareness: Without V2X, for optimal route planning and congestion
AVs rely solely on onboard sensors, which can avoidance. According to a report by INRIX, traffic
have limitations in range and accuracy, congestion cost the U.S. economy $88 billion in
especially in adverse weather conditions. 2019, with drivers losing an average of 99 hours
2. Reduced predictive capabilities: The lack of due to traffic [3]. Without access to live traffic
real-time data from other vehicles and updates, AVs may inadvertently contribute to
infrastructure hampers the AV's ability to congestion and increased travel times.
anticipate and respond to potential hazards. 2. Road hazards: Sudden obstacles, accidents, or road
3. Increased vulnerability to cybersecurity damage can pose serious risks to AVs. Connected
threats: Isolated systems may be more vehicles can receive instant alerts about such
susceptible to localized hacking attempts, as hazards, allowing them to adjust their route or
they cannot receive real-time security updates driving behavior accordingly. The U.S. DOT study
or alerts. found that V2V safety applications could
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Spandana Sagam Int. J. Sci. Res. Comput. Sci. Eng. Inf. Technol., September-October-2024, 10 (5) : 355-362
potentially prevent 439,000 to 615,000 crashes in low-light conditions or inclement weather,
annually [2]. potentially compromising the vehicle's ability to detect
3. Changes in traffic signals: Smart traffic signal obstacles accurately.
systems can communicate with connected As the automotive industry continues to advance,
vehicles to optimize traffic flow. Research has addressing the challenge of limited real-time
shown that this vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) information in non-connected environments remains
communication can reduce delays at intersections a critical area of research and development. Potential
by up to 27% [2]. Without this capability, AVs solutions include improving the range and accuracy of
must rely solely on visual detection of traffic onboard sensors, developing more robust AI
signals, which can be challenging in adverse algorithms for environmental interpretation, and
weather conditions or when signals malfunction. exploring hybrid systems that can operate effectively
4. Weather conditions: Severe weather can both with and without connectivity.
significantly impact driving conditions.
Connected vehicles can receive real-time weather Aspect Without With
alerts and adjust their driving parameters Connectivity Connectivity
accordingly. For example, during heavy rainfall, Unimpaired 100% 20%
connected AVs could automatically reduce speed Driver Crashes
and increase following distances to maintain Intersection 100% 73%
safety. Delays
5. Emergency vehicle notifications: Connected Annual 615000 0
vehicles can receive alerts about approaching Preventable
emergency vehicles, allowing them to clear the Crashes
path more efficiently. This capability is crucial for Traffic 88 billion 70.4 billion
reducing emergency response times, which can be Congestion
a matter of life and death in critical situations. Costs (USD)
Average Driver 99 79.2
This limitation in access to real-time information can Time Lost
lead to delayed or suboptimal decision-making, (hours)
increasing the risk of accidents. For example, an AV
may be unaware of sudden road closures or unexpected Table 1 : Impact of Connected Vehicle Technologies
obstacles, potentially resulting in unsafe maneuvers. on Road Safety and Efficiency [2, 3]
The U.S. DOT study estimated that V2V safety
applications have the potential to prevent or mitigate Absence of Cooperative Driving
the severity of up to 80% of non-impaired crashes, Cooperative driving, enabled by vehicle-to-vehicle
including those at intersections or while changing (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I)
lanes [2]. communication, is a crucial aspect of advanced
To mitigate these risks, non-connected AVs must rely autonomous vehicle (AV) systems. However, in the
heavily on advanced onboard sensors and sophisticated absence of connectivity, AVs face significant
AI algorithms to interpret their environment. challenges that can impact their safety and efficiency.
However, these systems have limitations, particularly A study by the European Telecommunications
in complex or rapidly changing scenarios. For instance, Standards Institute (ETSI) suggests that cooperative
camera-based systems can have reduced effectiveness
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Spandana Sagam Int. J. Sci. Res. Comput. Sci. Eng. Inf. Technol., September-October-2024, 10 (5) : 355-362
intelligent transport systems (C-ITS) could reduce 4. Reduced efficiency in platooning: Vehicle
unimpaired driving accidents by up to 30% [4]. platooning, where multiple vehicles travel closely
When connectivity is absent: together to reduce air resistance and improve fuel
1. AVs must rely solely on onboard sensors: Without efficiency, relies heavily on V2V communication.
V2V communication, AVs are limited to the Studies have shown that platooning can reduce
information gathered by their onboard sensors, fuel consumption by up to 10% for trailing
such as cameras, LiDAR, and radar. While these vehicles [4]. However, without connectivity,
sensors are advanced, they have inherent maintaining safe and efficient platoons becomes
limitations. For instance, a typical LiDAR system significantly more challenging, if not impossible.
has a range of about 60-100 meters for small object 5. Limited predictive capabilities: Cooperative
detection, whereas V2V communication can systems allow vehicles to share their intended
extend situational awareness to several hundred actions, enabling surrounding vehicles to
meters [4]. This extended range is particularly anticipate and respond proactively. Without this
crucial for highway driving, where higher speeds capability, AVs must react to observed behaviors,
require longer reaction times. potentially leading to less smooth and less safe
2. Detection of certain hazards may be delayed: interactions between vehicles. The SAE study
Cooperative systems allow vehicles to share suggests that V2V communication could provide
information about hazards beyond the line of sight drivers with additional seconds of warning time,
of individual vehicles. A study by the Society of which is crucial for accident prevention [5].
Automotive Engineers (SAE) found that
connected vehicle technology could potentially This isolation can be particularly problematic in busy
prevent up to 80% of non-impaired multi-vehicle intersections or on highways, where cooperative
crashes [5]. Without this cooperative capability, driving is crucial for safety and efficiency. For instance,
an AV might not be aware of a stalled vehicle at a complex intersection, connected vehicles can
around a blind curve or sudden braking several coordinate their movements to optimize traffic flow
cars ahead in dense traffic until it's within sensor and reduce the risk of collisions. The ETSI study
range, potentially leading to dangerous situations. estimates that cooperative intersection collision
3. Coordination in dynamic environments becomes avoidance systems could prevent up to 35% of
challenging: Complex traffic scenarios, such as intersection-related accidents [4].
merging onto highways or navigating busy To mitigate these challenges, non-connected AVs must
intersections, benefit greatly from cooperative rely on more advanced AI algorithms and predictive
driving. For example, cooperative adaptive cruise modeling. These systems attempt to infer the
control (CACC) systems, which rely on V2V intentions of other road users based on observed
communication, can reduce highway congestion behavior and historical data. However, they cannot
by maintaining smaller, safer vehicle gaps. match the reliability and efficiency of true cooperative
Research indicates that CACC can potentially systems.
increase highway capacity by 20% to 50%, As the automotive industry continues to evolve,
depending on the level of market penetration [5]. addressing the limitations of non-connected AVs
Without connectivity, AVs must make decisions remains a critical challenge. Potential solutions include
based on limited information, potentially leading developing more sophisticated sensor fusion
to less efficient traffic flow and increased risk of techniques, improving AI-based prediction algorithms,
conflicts. and designing fallback mechanisms that allow AVs to
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operate safely even when connectivity is intermittent Without remote software update capability:
or unavailable. The SAE emphasizes the importance of 1. Performance enhancements may be delayed: OTA
a multi-layered approach to AV safety, combining updates allow manufacturers to continuously
advanced onboard systems with cooperative improve the performance and functionality of
technologies to achieve the highest levels of safety and AVs. A study by McKinsey & Company found that
efficiency [5]. OTA updates can reduce warranty costs by 50%
and increase vehicle residual value by 5% [7]. In
Aspect Without With the absence of remote updates, AVs may miss out
Connectivity Connectivity on critical improvements to their perception
Unimpaired Driving 100% 70% algorithms, decision-making processes, and
Accidents overall driving capabilities. The GAO report notes
Non-impaired 100% 20% that software updates are crucial for addressing
Multi-vehicle newly discovered vulnerabilities and improving
Crashes vehicle safety features [6].
Highway Capacity 0% 20-50% 2. Security vulnerabilities may persist: Cybersecurity
Increase is a paramount concern for AVs, as they are
Fuel Consumption 100% 90% essentially computers on wheels. The automotive
for Trailing Vehicles cybersecurity market is projected to grow from
Intersection-related 100% 65% $1.9 billion in 2020 to $4.0 billion by 2025 [7].
Accidents Without OTA updates, security vulnerabilities
LiDAR Detection 60-100 300-500 may remain unaddressed for extended periods,
Range (meters) leaving AVs susceptible to potential cyber attacks.
The GAO emphasizes that as vehicles become
Table 2 : Comparative Analysis of Connected vs Non-
more connected and automated, the attack surface
Connected Autonomous Vehicles in Cooperative
for potential hackers increases, making regular
Scenarios [4, 5]
updates crucial for maintaining security [6].
3. Overall system reliability may be compromised:
Lack of Remote Software Updates
Regular software updates are essential for
Connectivity plays a vital role in maintaining and
maintaining the reliability of complex AV systems.
improving autonomous vehicle (AV) systems through
According to McKinsey, OTA updates can reduce
remote software updates. This capability, often
vehicle downtime by up to 5% [7]. Without
referred to as "over-the-air" (OTA) updates, is crucial
remote update capabilities, AVs may experience
for ensuring that AVs remain up-to-date with the latest
more frequent system failures or suboptimal
performance enhancements, security patches, and bug
performance, potentially leading to safety issues or
fixes. According to a report by the U.S. Government
reduced consumer trust. The GAO report
Accountability Office (GAO), cybersecurity risks in
highlights that software-related recalls in the
modern vehicles are increasing as cars become more
automotive industry have been increasing,
connected, highlighting the importance of regular
underscoring the importance of efficient update
software updates [6]. However, AVs operating without
mechanisms [6].
connectivity face significant challenges due to the lack
4. Regulatory compliance challenges: As AV
of this essential feature.
regulations evolve, software updates are often
necessary to ensure compliance with new
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standards. The lack of OTA capability may result mitigate potential issues without external
in AVs falling out of compliance, potentially intervention.
restricting their operational domains or requiring 4. Regular maintenance schedules: Establishing
costly manual updates. The GAO notes that the more frequent service intervals for manual
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration software updates and security checks.
(NHTSA) is working on developing cybersecurity While these strategies can help alleviate some concerns,
guidelines for the automotive industry, which they cannot fully replace the benefits of OTA updates.
may necessitate frequent software updates to As the automotive industry continues to evolve
maintain compliance [6]. towards more connected and autonomous vehicles,
5. Limited feature expansion: OTA updates enable addressing the limitations of non-connected AVs in
manufacturers to introduce new features and terms of software updates remains a critical challenge
functionalities to AVs post-purchase. The GAO for ensuring long-term safety, security, and
report mentions that modern vehicles can have up performance.
to 100 million lines of code, and this complexity is
likely to increase with AVs [6]. Without
connectivity, adding new features or improving
existing ones becomes significantly more
challenging and costly.
Regular updates are essential for addressing software
bugs and strengthening cybersecurity measures. The
complexity of AV software systems makes them Fig. 1: Impact of OTA Updates on AV Performance
particularly vulnerable to bugs and security flaws. A and Cybersecurity Market Growth [6, 7]
study by the Ponemon Institute found that the average
cost of a data breach in the automotive industry is $10.3 Reduced Traffic Ecosystem Support
million [7]. OTA updates provide a critical mechanism The absence of connectivity in autonomous vehicles
for rapidly addressing these issues as they are (AVs) significantly hinders their integration with
discovered. centralized traffic management systems, a crucial
component of smart city infrastructure. This limitation
To mitigate the challenges posed by the lack of remote has far-reaching consequences for traffic efficiency,
software updates, manufacturers of non-connected congestion management, and road safety. According to
AVs must implement alternative strategies: a study by the U.S. Department of Transportation,
intelligent transportation systems (ITS) have the
1. Robust initial software design: Emphasizing potential to reduce travel times by 27% and increase
thorough testing and validation before highway capacity by 22% [8].
deployment to minimize the need for frequent The reduced traffic ecosystem support for non-
updates. connected AVs manifests in several critical areas:
2. Modular software architecture: Designing systems 1. Impeded optimization of traffic flow: Centralized
that allow for easier manual updates when traffic management systems rely on real-time data
necessary. from connected vehicles to optimize traffic flow.
3. Enhanced diagnostic systems: Implementing Without this connectivity, AVs operate in
advanced onboard diagnostics to detect and isolation, unable to contribute to or benefit from
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system-wide optimization efforts. A study by the communication can reduce intersection
Texas A&M Transportation Institute found that crashes by up to 50%, a benefit inaccessible to
traffic congestion cost the United States $179 non-connected AVs [9].
billion in 2017, equivalent to $1,080 per auto 4. Reduced emergency response efficiency:
commuter [9]. The inability of non-connected Connected vehicles can automatically alert
AVs to participate in coordinated traffic emergency services in the event of an accident,
management exacerbates this issue. reducing response times. Non-connected AVs lack
a. Smart traffic signal control systems, which this capability, potentially delaying critical
can reduce travel times by up to 25% in urban assistance.
areas, require vehicle connectivity to a. Studies have shown that reducing emergency
function optimally [8]. response times by just one minute can increase
b. Adaptive routing based on real-time traffic survival rates for car crash victims by 6% [9].
conditions can reduce travel times by an 5. Limited support for platooning and cooperative
additional 10-15%, but non-connected AVs adaptive cruise control (CACC): These advanced
cannot benefit from this feature [9]. traffic management techniques rely heavily on
2. Increased congestion: The lack of connectivity vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication to
prevents AVs from receiving real-time traffic maintain safe and efficient vehicle spacing.
information and coordinating with other vehicles a. CACC can increase highway capacity by up
and infrastructure. This limitation can lead to to 200% in ideal conditions, but requires
suboptimal route choices and inefficient use of connectivity that non-connected AVs lack [8].
road capacity, potentially increasing congestion. To address these limitations, traffic management
a. Connected vehicle systems have systems must evolve to accommodate a mixed
demonstrated the potential to reduce stop- environment of connected and non-connected
and-go waves in traffic by up to 80%, vehicles. Potential strategies include:
significantly improving traffic flow [8]. ● Enhanced infrastructure-based sensing to
b. Non-connected AVs may unknowingly compensate for the lack of data from non-connected
converge on the same routes, creating AVs.
"phantom traffic jams" that could be avoided ● Development of predictive algorithms that can infer
with coordinated routing. the behavior of non-connected AVs based on
3. Higher risk of traffic accidents: Centralized traffic observable patterns.
management systems play a crucial role in ● Implementation of fail-safe protocols to ensure
enhancing road safety by providing real-time system-wide safety and efficiency even when a
hazard warnings and coordinating vehicle significant portion of vehicles are non-connected.
movements. Non-connected AVs miss out on
these benefits, potentially leading to a higher While these approaches can mitigate some of the
number of traffic accidents. challenges, they cannot fully replicate the benefits of a
a. The U.S. Department of Transportation fully connected ecosystem. As the automotive industry
estimates that connected vehicle technology continues to advance, addressing the integration of
could potentially address up to 80% of non-connected AVs into smart traffic management
unimpaired vehicle crashes [8]. systems remains a critical challenge for realizing the
b. Intersection management systems using full potential of autonomous driving technology.
vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I)
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3, Level 4, Level 5), Component, Application,
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II. CONCLUSION
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https://inrix.com/scorecard/
performance of AV technology. The limitations in real-
[4]. European Telecommunications Standards
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