Program
Program
8:30am Check In
9:00am Welcome/Opening Remarks
Moderator: David Gamez
Presenter: Marc Luiken, Commissioner, Alaska DOT&PF
9:15am Innovation in Nevada’s Transportation System and Operations
Moderator: David Gamez
Presenter: Tracy Larkin-Thomason, Deputy Director, NDOT Southern Nevada
Nevada has been a state of firsts in bringing enabling legislation and innovation to our transportation system and operations. State, regional and local agencies are working with new technologies to harness the benefits of autonomous and connected systems (safety and efficiencies). In this process, we need to learn how to prepare for the future, in a world where technology is advancing at an increasing rate. As we transition to this future we must balance the mixed level of autonomous, connected and conventional modes of transportation utilizing the system and how we provide the communication backbone to support the future.
Ms. Larkin Thomason will discuss the innovated technology (hardware and software) being introduced to the transportation systems and operations in the state of Nevada. We are still a state of firsts.
10:00am Break
10:15am MnDOT Autonomous Shuttle Bus Pilot Project - Winter Testing
Moderator: Lisa Idell-Sassi
Presenter: Jay Hietpas, Director of State Traffic Engineering, MnDOT
Automated and connected vehicle technology is developing at a rapid pace. However, there has been very limited testing in winter weather conditions. The Minnesota DOT recently conducted winter weather testing of a level 4 automated vehicle. The project also allowed the public to ride the shuttle in downtown Minneapolis near Super Bowl LII events, and legislators to ride the shuttle at the state capitol. This presentation will highlight the results of winter weather testing, and how this project significantly advanced Minnesota statewide policy advancements with automated vehicles.
11:00am Policy, Planning, and Decision Making for Autonomous Vehicles in Alaska
Moderator: Lisa Idell-Sassi
Presenter: Abby Morgan, PhD, Senior Engineer, Kittelson & Associates
We hear about automated vehicles, shared rides, and Smart Cities in the news almost every day. What does all this technology mean to Alaska? How do these changes affect policy, planning, and decision making? Let’s discuss the impacts emerging technologies are having on our land use and transportation infrastructure today. We’ll learn about policy being developed at the state and national levels. We’ll look at some of the ongoing pilot projects around the world to learn how and why they are investing in these technologies and what Alaska can learn from their work.
12:00pm Lunch
12:20pm Lunch Presentation - Status of Legislation, Regulation, Guidance and more for Connected Automated Vehicles (C/AVs)
Moderator: Lisa Idell-Sassi
Presenter: Koorosh Olyai, Senior Principal, Stantec
This presentation will address the paradigm shift in transportation and its impact on our way of life. The current status of federal rules, regulations and guidance for development and deployment of CAVs will be addressed and funding sources identified. Also, some of the “Hot Topics” such as Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC), 5G, Big Data, Data Ownership and other outstanding issues will be covered. Lastly, how general and public transportation in particular will benefit from C/AV, will be highlighted.
1:00pm Panel Discussion #1
Tracy Larkin-Thomason, Jay Hietpas, and Abby Morgan
1:45pm Toyota Autonomous and Connected Vehicles Program
Moderator: David Gamez
Presenter: Ed Bradley, Program Manager, Toyota America
This presentation will help guide our discussion and focuses on four things:
2:30pm Break
2:45pm Sue My Car Not Me: Products Liability and Accidents Involving Autonomous Vehicles
Moderator: David Gamez
Presenter: Jeff Gurney, Attorney, TFS&E, P.A
This presentation will discuss the alternatives for imposing liability for harm and damage caused by autonomous vehicles. The presentation will analyze accidents from a civil liability and an ethical standpoint, and will argue that courts will likely find that traditional drivers are not civilly liable for injuries or property damaged by autonomous vehicles. Instead, manufacturers of autonomous vehicles will likely bear primary liability for accidents caused by their autonomous technology. The presentation will then discuss the effects of this shift in liability from the traditional driver to the manufacturer. The presenter welcomes a general discussion on the topic and open participation by audience members.
3:30pm Panel Discussion #2
Ed Bradley, Jeff Gurney, and Koorosh Olyai
4:15pm Closing Remarks
Presenter: David Gamez
4:30pm Adjourn