PAVE: Dr. Goodnight, tell us more about your work in the AV space.
My main interest in this area of transportation is the possibilities of a driverless future while increasing connectivity within society. I work to develop knowledge and training plans to help develop the new AV technician within the industry.
PAVE: What interested you about PAVE and our mission to educate the public on AV technology and its promise?
When I learned of the PAVE coalition and their purpose of connecting industry, non-profits and academia to help to advance the knowledge on AVs, I didn’t hesitate to participate. My main purpose in education is to connect individuals with the proper information and training on highly complex topics. The automated vehicle dynamic is the direction I see the transportation industry moving towards and I would like to help shape the narrative on the AV training.
PAVE: What are current barriers you see in public acceptance of automated vehicles?
I believe a large barrier to adoption of AV vehicles is the fear of the unknown. People are usually uneasy with change and this is becoming a huge disruptor within the transportation industry. The more people become used to driverless vehicles, the more they will feel safe operating in and around them.
