83_FR_50942 83 FR 50747 - Notice of Request for Comments: Scope of the Study on the Impact of Automated Vehicle Technologies on Workforce

83 FR 50747 - Notice of Request for Comments: Scope of the Study on the Impact of Automated Vehicle Technologies on Workforce

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Office of the Secretary

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 195 (October 9, 2018)

Page Range50747-50749
FR Document2018-21842

OST is announcing a request for information to solicit comment and feedback on the scope of the congressionally-required comprehensive analysis of the impact of automated vehicle technologies on workforce. This study will be conducted by DOT in consultation with the Department of Labor to provide a comprehensive analysis of the impact of [Advanced Driver Assist Systems] ADAS and [Highly Automated Vehicles] HAV technologies on drivers and operators of commercial motor vehicle, including the potential for any labor displacement. DOT will also coordinate this initiative with the U.S. Departments of Commerce and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Each component of the study will engage the relevant interested and affected stakeholders such as industry representatives, driver and operator groups, and workforce training providers to ensure input from across the diverse commercial and non-commercial driver industry. While it may not be feasible to precisely predict the exact capabilities or timing of new automated vehicles technologies entering the marketplace, this study may construct statistical models, use-cases, and scenarios based projections based on the best available data on market forecasts, industry trends, and relevant labor markets to evaluate different technology penetration scenarios and their potential effects on the workforce and related factors. The objectives of the request for comments on the comprehensive analysis of the impact of automated vehicle technologies on workforce are to obtain feedback into the scope of the study regarding the magnitude of the potential pace of transition in the transportation workforce and how other sectors of the workforce will adapt to the quality of life effects due to automation. The study will also examine training availability and what will be required to transition the traditional commercial driver into the new environment including transit bus automation. Finally, the study will analyze the issues of driver situational awareness in vehicles which may require operator re- engagement, the safety of truck platooning, and related traffic management. Background: The pace of development and deployment of automated vehicle-related technology is expected to accelerate over the next decade. Likewise, the effects of this new technology on the current workforce is a concern to operators and industry. In August 2017, a Department of Commerce's Office of the Chief Economist study focused on ``workers impacted by the adoption of autonomous vehicles used on roadways, such as automobiles, buses, and trucks (The Employment Impact of Autonomous Vehicles,\1\ Economics and Statistics Administration Issue Brief #05-17). The study found that ``. . . the adoption of AVs has the potential to impact a sizable share of jobs in the economy.'' This could include job creation as well as displacement. Also, the America's Workforce and the Self- Driving Future \2\ report, published by Securing America's Future Energy in June 2018, outlines the potential impact of autonomous vehicles use on the labor force, noting some of the complexities in assessing job gain/loss and displacement, as well as potential long- term employment and societal benefits. In addition to the introduction of automated vehicles, the Nation's commercial driver \3\ pool is impacted by other dynamics such as operator pay, route preferences, and demographics. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 195 (Tuesday, October 9, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 195 (Tuesday, October 9, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 50747-50749]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-21842]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Office of the Secretary

[Docket No. DOT-OST-2018-0150]


Notice of Request for Comments: Scope of the Study on the Impact 
of Automated Vehicle Technologies on Workforce

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary (OST), U.S. Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: OST is announcing a request for information to solicit comment 
and feedback on the scope of the congressionally-required comprehensive 
analysis of the impact of automated vehicle technologies on workforce. 
This study will be conducted by DOT in consultation with the Department 
of Labor to provide a comprehensive analysis of the impact of [Advanced 
Driver Assist Systems] ADAS and [Highly Automated Vehicles] HAV 
technologies on drivers and operators of commercial motor vehicle, 
including the potential for any labor displacement. DOT will also 
coordinate this initiative with the U.S. Departments of Commerce and 
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
    Each component of the study will engage the relevant interested and 
affected stakeholders such as industry representatives, driver and 
operator groups, and workforce training providers to ensure input from 
across the diverse commercial and non-commercial driver industry. While 
it may not be feasible to precisely predict the exact capabilities or 
timing of new automated vehicles technologies entering the marketplace, 
this study may construct statistical models, use-cases, and scenarios 
based projections based on the best available data on market forecasts, 
industry trends, and relevant labor markets to evaluate different 
technology penetration scenarios and their potential effects on the 
workforce and related factors.
    The objectives of the request for comments on the comprehensive 
analysis of the impact of automated vehicle technologies on workforce 
are to obtain feedback into the scope of the study regarding the 
magnitude of the potential pace of transition in the transportation 
workforce and how other sectors of the workforce will adapt to the 
quality of life effects due to automation. The study will also examine 
training availability and what will be required to transition the 
traditional commercial driver into the new environment including 
transit bus automation. Finally, the study will analyze the issues of 
driver situational awareness in vehicles which may require operator re-
engagement, the safety of truck platooning, and related traffic 
management.
    Background: The pace of development and deployment of automated 
vehicle-related technology is expected to accelerate over the next 
decade. Likewise, the effects of this new technology on the current 
workforce is a concern to operators and industry. In August 2017, a 
Department of Commerce's Office of the Chief Economist study focused on 
``workers impacted by the adoption of autonomous vehicles used on 
roadways, such as automobiles, buses, and trucks (The Employment Impact 
of Autonomous Vehicles,\1\ Economics and Statistics Administration 
Issue Brief #05-17). The study found that ``. . . the adoption of AVs 
has the potential to impact a sizable share of jobs in the economy.'' 
This could include job creation as well as displacement. Also, the 
America's Workforce and the Self-

[[Page 50748]]

Driving Future \2\ report, published by Securing America's Future 
Energy in June 2018, outlines the potential impact of autonomous 
vehicles use on the labor force, noting some of the complexities in 
assessing job gain/loss and displacement, as well as potential long-
term employment and societal benefits. In addition to the introduction 
of automated vehicles, the Nation's commercial driver \3\ pool is 
impacted by other dynamics such as operator pay, route preferences, and 
demographics.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ http://www.esa.doc.gov/sites/default/files/Employment%20Impact%20Autonomous%20Vehicles_0.pdf.
    \2\ https://avworkforce.secureenergy.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Groshen-et-al-Report-June-2018-1.pdf.
    \3\ Commercial drivers for the scope of this study is defined as 
professional drivers who earn a living driving tow trucks, tractor 
trailers, motor coaches, and buses.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Advanced transportation technologies present enormous potential for 
improving the mobility of travelers with disabilities vastly enhancing 
quality of life, workplace access, and opportunities for full 
participation in the workforce and in society. Through the Accessible 
Transportation Technologies Research Initiative (ATTRI), DOT is leading 
efforts to develop and implement transformative applications to improve 
mobility options for all travelers, particularly those with 
disabilities. DOT is seeking to explore innovative travel options 
focusing its efforts on removing barriers to transportation for people 
with visual, hearing, cognitive, and mobility disabilities through all 
steps of the trip-making process. DOT seeks to remove barriers to 
transportation across the ``complete trip'' chain leveraging advanced 
technology to enable people to travel independently any time, to any 
place, regardless of their individual abilities.
    The 2018 Consolidated Appropriations Act provided up to $1.5 
million to the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the 
Secretary of Labor, to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the impact 
of ADAS and HAV technologies on drivers and operators of commercial 
motor vehicles, including labor displacement. For purposes of this 
analysis, drivers and operators, who earn an income by driving, of 
commercial motor vehicles includes drivers which require a commercial 
driver's license and those that do not; and package delivery drivers, 
taxi, mobility as a service, and Transportation Network Companies 
(TNC).
    Statement of Work (SOW): The general areas of inquiry are 
summarized and listed below. Specific research questions could be 
further adopted during the study examination after assumptions and 
study parameters are validated based on input and feedback obtained 
through the request for comments period. Comments obtained from this 
notice period will be used to calibrate the study strategy to enable 
the maximum value proposition.
    1. Labor force transformation studies including potential 
statistical models to generate estimates of labor force effects given 
various HAV and ADAS adoption/timeline scenarios and segments of 
freight and passenger transportation that could be affected.
    2. Labor force training needs including minimum and recommended 
training requirements, labor market programs that link workers to 
employment and public or private training programs to address skill 
gaps.
    3. Technology operational safety issues impact to situational 
awareness caused by HAV and ADAS including options for reducing safety 
risks of reduced situational awareness and visibility, mobility, and 
safety issues related to platooning.
    4. Quality of life improvements due to automation including mental 
fatigue related to traffic and queueing; enhanced travel choices, new 
job opportunities, and accessibility leading to independent travel and 
workplace access for people with disabilities, older adults, and 
individuals with functional impairments across the lifespan.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Area of inquiry                     Research questions                     General study tasks
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   1. Labor Force Transformation/Displacement
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pace of potential job              When should stakeholders anticipate     Conduct a comprehensive literature
 displacement from ADAS and HAV     widespread introduction of AV           review of related studies and
 adoption.                          technology which would directly         methodologies.
                                    impact the driver workforce?           Create a predictive statistical model
                                   What are the potential effects from      to generate estimates of labor force
                                    the different scenarios regarding       effects given various adoption/
                                    adoption timelines and technology       timeline scenarios. The model should
                                    developments on the professional        be well-documented and replicable by
                                    driver labor force?                     outside parties.
Segments of freight and passenger  What are the defined segments of        Create a typology of the specific
 transportation that could be       commercial drivers in the United        segments of commercial and non-
 affected.                          States?                                 commercial drivers as it relates to
                                   Which of these segments are most         trucks, buses, mail/package delivery
                                    likely to be impacted, negatively or    drivers, and taxis/transportation
                                    positively, and to what extent?         network companies.
                                                                           Identify each segment most likely to
                                                                            be effected, and the extent of that
                                                                            effect. The effect could be job
                                                                            displacement or increased demand for
                                                                            that driver segment.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          2. Labor Force Training Needs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Minimum and recommended training   As commercial and non-commercial        Catalog and annotate comparative
 requirements.                      drivers transition into other           studies from other transitioning
                                    transportation, or even unrelated,      labor markets e.g. manufacturing,
                                    positions, what are new likely          agriculture, banking, etc.
                                    opportunities and what are the         Identify the possible training needs
                                    minimum levels of training and skills   for the variety of commercial and
                                    necessary to occupy those positions?    non-commercial drivers potentially
                                   What are the training/skills             impacted by AVs--both newly created
                                    requirements for those jobs most in     transportation jobs or jobs in
                                    demand?                                 related or non-related sectors.
                                                                           Produce recommendations of training
                                                                            requirements to meet the needs
                                                                            identified and evaluate the
                                                                            available federal and state programs
                                                                            to meet these needs.
Existing labor market programs     What federal and state government-      Prepare and annotate a comprehensive
 that link workers to employment.   sponsored programs are used to match    inventory of current federal and
                                    individuals with employment             state labor market programs that
                                    opportunities?                          link workers to job opportunities.
                                   What is the capacity of each program    Evaluate the capacity of these
                                    to meet the needs of displaced          programs to meet the needs of
                                    commercial and non-commercial           commercial and non-commercial
                                    drivers?                                drivers displaced by autonomous
                                                                            vehicles.
Identification of how existing     What gap(s) exist between existing      Identify modifications to existing
 public or private training         programs and the needs of commercial    public or private training programs
 programs can be modified to        and non-commercial drivers, including   to include the teaching of new
 address skill gaps.                transitioning to new jobs?              skills to safely operate ADS
                                   If gaps exist, what recommended          equipped vehicles as well as new
                                    modifications to existing programs      skills needed to transition to other
                                    are needed to meet these needs?         jobs.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 50749]]

 
                                     3. Technology Operational Safety Issues
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Impact to situational awareness    What are the risks of reduced           Complete a literature review on the
 caused by ADS and ADAS.            situational awareness for a driver      risks of the lack of driver
                                    using ADAS technology, such as the      vigilance and reduced situational
                                    potential for increased drowsiness?     awareness when operating a vehicle
                                                                            equipped with ADS or ADAS
                                                                            technologies. Produce a typology on
                                                                            the kinds of risks that are
                                                                            generated by this technology.
Options for reducing safety risks  Quantify the likelihood of reduced      Review existing human subject
 of reduced situational awareness.  driver situational awareness and        research and engage relevant
                                    identify methods and options to         stakeholders to identify existing
                                    mitigate these risks.                   and potential technological
                                                                            applications to address human
                                                                            factors risk.
Visibility, mobility, and safety   What are the principle safety issues    Identify and catalog existing studies
 issues related to platooning.      associated with the use of platooning   on visibility, mobility, and safety
                                    such as the reduced visibility of       issues related to truck platooning.
                                    drivers in the following vehicles,      Provide an annotated inventory of
                                    and the interaction of passenger cars   current or developing technologies
                                    with truck platoons at highway          which can address these issues and
                                    speeds? What are the potential          their likelihood of adoption.
                                    positive benefits of platooning         Catalog state laws addressing truck
                                    technologies?                           platoon operations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  4. Quality of Life Effects Due to Automation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Potential effects to health and    Given that higher level of automation   Conduct a comprehensive literature
 quality of life due to ADS and     allows drivers, subject to this         review of health issues associated
 ADAS.                              study, to conduct other tasks other     with commercial and non-commercial
                                    than driving, how will this impact      drivers, including mental fatigue
                                    the health and quality of life of the   related to traffic and queueing.
                                    driving labor force.                   Explore insights into how HAV and
                                   What are the potential economic          ADAS can mitigate health issues,
                                    benefits to increased access to jobs    state of the industry pertaining to
                                    and the community for transportation-   ADAS and HAV mobility as a service
                                    disadvantaged riders such as people     including research studies relating
                                    with disabilities and seniors.          to technology readiness, enabling
                                                                            new job opportunities, and gaps in
                                                                            achieving the complete trip vision
                                                                            for older Americans and people with
                                                                            disabilities.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Each of the four study components may include stakeholder outreach, as appropriate, to inform the analysis
  and identify relevant data sources.

    Comments are requested on the following questions regarding the 
Statement of Work:
    1. Is the SOW in line with public interest?
    2. Should the SOW be expanded or reduced to include or exclude any 
topic(s)?
    3. Are there specific literature or studies that have been 
conducted on this subject that DOT and DOL should review before 
initiating this comprehensive analysis?
    All comments and presentations should be submitted to the docket 
for consideration.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions about this 
notice, please contact us at [email protected] or Kareem Habib (202-
366-1601) or Sujeesh Kurup (202-366-9953).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Written Comments: Please submit all written comments no later than 
November 5, 2018, by any of the following methods:
     Federal Rulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting 
comments.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility: DOT, 1200 New Jersey 
Avenue SE, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 
20590.
     Hand Delivery or Courier: 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, West 
Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays.
     Fax: 202-366-1767.
    Instructions: All submissions must include the Agency name and 
docket number. Note that all comments received will be posted without 
change to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal 
information provided. Please see the Privacy Act discussion below.
    Docket: For access to the docket, go to http://www.regulations.gov 
to find Docket No. DOT-OST-2018-0150 at any time or to 1200 New Jersey 
Avenue SE, West Building, Ground Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 
20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
Holidays. Telephone: 202-366-9826.
    Privacy Act: Anyone is able to search the electronic form of all 
comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual 
submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf 
of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review DOT's 
complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on 
April 11, 2000, (Volume 65, Number 70; Pages 19477-78), or you may 
visit http://www.regulations.gov/privacy.html.
    Confidential Information: Any submissions containing Confidential 
Information must be delivered to OST in the following manner:
    [cir] Submitted in a sealed envelope marked ``confidential 
treatment requested'';
    [cir] Accompanied by an index listing the document(s) or 
information that the submitter would like the Departments to withhold. 
The index should include information such as numbers used to identify 
the relevant document(s) or information, document title and 
description, and relevant pages numbers and/or section numbers within a 
document; and
    [cir] Submitted with a statement explaining the submitter's grounds 
for objecting to disclosure of the information to the public.
    OST also requests that submitters of Confidential Information 
include a non-confidential version (either redacted or summarized) of 
those confidential submissions in the public docket. In the event that 
the submitter cannot provide a non-confidential version of its 
submission, OST requests that the submitter post a notice in the docket 
stating that it has provided OST with Confidential Information. Should 
a submitter fail to docket either a non-confidential version of its 
submission or to post a notice that Confidential Information has been 
provided, we will note the receipt of the submission on the docket, 
with the submitter's organization or name (to the degree permitted by 
law) and the date of submission.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on October 3, 2018, under authority 
delegated at 49 U.S.C. 1.25a.
Finch Fulton,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy.
[FR Doc. 2018-21842 Filed 10-5-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-9X-P



                                                                           Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 195 / Tuesday, October 9, 2018 / Notices                                                    50747

                                              and innovation, and will address                        permitted by law) and the date of                     and U.S. Department of Health and
                                              significant comments received in the                    submission.                                           Human Services.
                                              next revision of this document.                                                                                  Each component of the study will
                                                                                                      Will the agency consider late                         engage the relevant interested and
                                              Public Participation                                    comments?                                             affected stakeholders such as industry
                                              How do I prepare and submit                               The U.S. DOT will consider all                      representatives, driver and operator
                                              comments?                                               comments received before the close of                 groups, and workforce training
                                                                                                      business on the comment closing date                  providers to ensure input from across
                                                 Your comments must be written and                    indicated above under DATES. To the                   the diverse commercial and non-
                                              in English. To ensure that your                         extent possible, the agency will also                 commercial driver industry. While it
                                              comments are filed correctly in the                     consider comments received after that                 may not be feasible to precisely predict
                                              docket, please include the docket                       date. Given that we intend for the policy             the exact capabilities or timing of new
                                              number of this document in your                         document to be a living document and                  automated vehicles technologies
                                              comments.                                               to be developed in an iterative fashion,              entering the marketplace, this study
                                                 Please submit one copy (two copies if                                                                      may construct statistical models, use-
                                                                                                      subsequent opportunities to comment
                                              submitting by mail or hand delivery) of                                                                       cases, and scenarios based projections
                                                                                                      will also be provided periodically.
                                              your comments, including the                                                                                  based on the best available data on
                                              attachments, to the docket following the                How can I read the comments submitted
                                                                                                                                                            market forecasts, industry trends, and
                                              instructions given above under                          by other people?
                                                                                                                                                            relevant labor markets to evaluate
                                              ADDRESSES. Please note, if you are                         You may read the comments received                 different technology penetration
                                              submitting comments electronically as a                 at the address given above under                      scenarios and their potential effects on
                                              PDF (Adobe) file, we ask that the                       COMMENTS. The hours of the docket                     the workforce and related factors.
                                              documents submitted be scanned using                    are indicated above in the same                          The objectives of the request for
                                              an Optical Character Recognition (OCR)                  location. You may also see the                        comments on the comprehensive
                                              process, thus allowing the agency to                    comments on the internet, identified by               analysis of the impact of automated
                                              search and copy certain portions of your                the docket number at the heading of this              vehicle technologies on workforce are to
                                              submissions.                                            notice, at http://www.regulations.gov.                obtain feedback into the scope of the
                                              How do I submit confidential business                     Issued in Washington, DC, on October 3,             study regarding the magnitude of the
                                              information?                                            2018, under authority delegated at 49 U.S.C.          potential pace of transition in the
                                                                                                      1.25a.                                                transportation workforce and how other
                                                Any submissions containing
                                                                                                      Finch Fulton,                                         sectors of the workforce will adapt to
                                              Confidential Information must be
                                                                                                      Deputy Assistant Secretary for Transportation         the quality of life effects due to
                                              delivered to OST in the following
                                                                                                      Policy.                                               automation. The study will also
                                              manner:
                                                                                                                                                            examine training availability and what
                                                • Submitted in a sealed envelope                      [FR Doc. 2018–21840 Filed 10–5–18; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                                                                            will be required to transition the
                                              marked ‘‘confidential treatment                         BILLING CODE 4910–9X–P
                                                                                                                                                            traditional commercial driver into the
                                              requested’’;
                                                                                                                                                            new environment including transit bus
                                                • Accompanied by an index listing
                                                                                                      DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                          automation. Finally, the study will
                                              the document(s) or information that the
                                                                                                                                                            analyze the issues of driver situational
                                              submitter would like the Department to
                                                                                                      Office of the Secretary                               awareness in vehicles which may
                                              withhold. The index should include
                                                                                                      [Docket No. DOT–OST–2018–0150]                        require operator re-engagement, the
                                              information such as numbers used to
                                                                                                                                                            safety of truck platooning, and related
                                              identify the relevant document(s) or
                                                                                                      Notice of Request for Comments:                       traffic management.
                                              information, document title and                                                                                  Background: The pace of
                                              description, and relevant page numbers                  Scope of the Study on the Impact of
                                                                                                      Automated Vehicle Technologies on                     development and deployment of
                                              and/or section numbers within a                                                                               automated vehicle-related technology is
                                              document; and                                           Workforce
                                                                                                                                                            expected to accelerate over the next
                                                • Submitted with a statement                          AGENCY: Office of the Secretary (OST),                decade. Likewise, the effects of this new
                                              explaining the submitter’s grounds for                  U.S. Department of Transportation                     technology on the current workforce is
                                              objecting to disclosure of the                          (DOT).                                                a concern to operators and industry. In
                                              information to the public.                              ACTION: Notice of request for comments.               August 2017, a Department of
                                                OST also requests that submitters of                                                                        Commerce’s Office of the Chief
                                              Confidential Information include a non-                 SUMMARY:   OST is announcing a request                Economist study focused on ‘‘workers
                                              confidential version (either redacted or                for information to solicit comment and                impacted by the adoption of
                                              summarized) of those confidential                       feedback on the scope of the                          autonomous vehicles used on roadways,
                                              submissions in the public docket. In the                congressionally-required comprehensive                such as automobiles, buses, and trucks
                                              event that the submitter cannot provide                 analysis of the impact of automated                   (The Employment Impact of
                                              a non-confidential version of its                       vehicle technologies on workforce. This               Autonomous Vehicles,1 Economics and
                                              submission, OST requests that the                       study will be conducted by DOT in
                                                                                                                                                            Statistics Administration Issue Brief
                                              submitter post a notice in the docket                   consultation with the Department of
                                                                                                                                                            #05–17). The study found that ‘‘. . . the
                                              stating that it has provided OST with                   Labor to provide a comprehensive
                                                                                                                                                            adoption of AVs has the potential to
                                              Confidential Information. Should a                      analysis of the impact of [Advanced
amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES1




                                                                                                                                                            impact a sizable share of jobs in the
                                              submitter fail to docket either a non-                  Driver Assist Systems] ADAS and
                                                                                                                                                            economy.’’ This could include job
                                              confidential version of its submission or               [Highly Automated Vehicles] HAV
                                                                                                                                                            creation as well as displacement. Also,
                                              to post a notice that Confidential                      technologies on drivers and operators of
                                                                                                                                                            the America’s Workforce and the Self-
                                              Information has been provided, we will                  commercial motor vehicle, including
                                              note the receipt of the submission on                   the potential for any labor displacement.               1 http://www.esa.doc.gov/sites/default/files/
                                              the docket, with the submitter’s                        DOT will also coordinate this initiative              Employment%20Impact%20Autonomous%20
                                              organization or name (to the degree                     with the U.S. Departments of Commerce                 Vehicles_0.pdf.



                                         VerDate Sep<11>2014   19:13 Oct 05, 2018   Jkt 247001   PO 00000   Frm 00117   Fmt 4703   Sfmt 4703   E:\FR\FM\09OCN1.SGM   09OCN1


                                              50748                           Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 195 / Tuesday, October 9, 2018 / Notices

                                              Driving Future 2 report, published by                      barriers to transportation across the                       from this notice period will be used to
                                              Securing America’s Future Energy in                        ‘‘complete trip’’ chain leveraging                          calibrate the study strategy to enable the
                                              June 2018, outlines the potential impact                   advanced technology to enable people                        maximum value proposition.
                                              of autonomous vehicles use on the labor                    to travel independently any time, to any                       1. Labor force transformation studies
                                              force, noting some of the complexities                     place, regardless of their individual                       including potential statistical models to
                                              in assessing job gain/loss and                             abilities.                                                  generate estimates of labor force effects
                                              displacement, as well as potential long-                      The 2018 Consolidated                                    given various HAV and ADAS adoption/
                                              term employment and societal benefits.                     Appropriations Act provided up to $1.5                      timeline scenarios and segments of
                                              In addition to the introduction of                         million to the Secretary of                                 freight and passenger transportation that
                                              automated vehicles, the Nation’s                           Transportation, in consultation with the                    could be affected.
                                              commercial driver 3 pool is impacted by                    Secretary of Labor, to conduct a
                                                                                                                                                                        2. Labor force training needs
                                              other dynamics such as operator pay,                       comprehensive analysis of the impact of
                                                                                                                                                                     including minimum and recommended
                                              route preferences, and demographics.                       ADAS and HAV technologies on drivers
                                                 Advanced transportation technologies                    and operators of commercial motor                           training requirements, labor market
                                              present enormous potential for                             vehicles, including labor displacement.                     programs that link workers to
                                              improving the mobility of travelers with                   For purposes of this analysis, drivers                      employment and public or private
                                              disabilities vastly enhancing quality of                   and operators, who earn an income by                        training programs to address skill gaps.
                                              life, workplace access, and                                driving, of commercial motor vehicles                          3. Technology operational safety
                                              opportunities for full participation in                    includes drivers which require a                            issues impact to situational awareness
                                              the workforce and in society. Through                      commercial driver’s license and those                       caused by HAV and ADAS including
                                              the Accessible Transportation                              that do not; and package delivery                           options for reducing safety risks of
                                              Technologies Research Initiative                           drivers, taxi, mobility as a service, and                   reduced situational awareness and
                                              (ATTRI), DOT is leading efforts to                         Transportation Network Companies                            visibility, mobility, and safety issues
                                              develop and implement transformative                       (TNC).                                                      related to platooning.
                                              applications to improve mobility                              Statement of Work (SOW): The                                4. Quality of life improvements due to
                                              options for all travelers, particularly                    general areas of inquiry are summarized                     automation including mental fatigue
                                              those with disabilities. DOT is seeking                    and listed below. Specific research                         related to traffic and queueing;
                                              to explore innovative travel options                       questions could be further adopted                          enhanced travel choices, new job
                                              focusing its efforts on removing barriers                  during the study examination after                          opportunities, and accessibility leading
                                              to transportation for people with visual,                  assumptions and study parameters are                        to independent travel and workplace
                                              hearing, cognitive, and mobility                           validated based on input and feedback                       access for people with disabilities, older
                                              disabilities through all steps of the trip-                obtained through the request for                            adults, and individuals with functional
                                              making process. DOT seeks to remove                        comments period. Comments obtained                          impairments across the lifespan.
                                                Area of inquiry                                 Research questions                                                           General study tasks

                                                                                                               1. Labor Force Transformation/Displacement

                                              Pace of potential      When should stakeholders anticipate widespread introduction of AV             Conduct a comprehensive literature review of related studies and
                                                job displace-         technology which would directly impact the driver workforce?                   methodologies.
                                                ment from            What are the potential effects from the different scenarios regarding         Create a predictive statistical model to generate estimates of labor
                                                ADAS and HAV          adoption timelines and technology developments on the professional             force effects given various adoption/timeline scenarios. The model
                                                adoption.             driver labor force?                                                            should be well-documented and replicable by outside parties.
                                              Segments of            What are the defined segments of commercial drivers in the United             Create a typology of the specific segments of commercial and non-
                                                freight and pas-      States?                                                                        commercial drivers as it relates to trucks, buses, mail/package deliv-
                                                senger trans-        Which of these segments are most likely to be impacted, negatively or           ery drivers, and taxis/transportation network companies.
                                                portation that        positively, and to what extent?                                              Identify each segment most likely to be effected, and the extent of that
                                                could be af-                                                                                         effect. The effect could be job displacement or increased demand for
                                                fected.                                                                                              that driver segment.

                                                                                                                     2. Labor Force Training Needs

                                              Minimum and rec-       As commercial and non-commercial drivers transition into other trans-         Catalog and annotate comparative studies from other transitioning
                                                ommended               portation, or even unrelated, positions, what are new likely opportuni-       labor markets e.g. manufacturing, agriculture, banking, etc.
                                                training require-      ties and what are the minimum levels of training and skills necessary       Identify the possible training needs for the variety of commercial and
                                                ments.                 to occupy those positions?                                                    non-commercial drivers potentially impacted by AVs—both newly
                                                                     What are the training/skills requirements for those jobs most in de-            created transportation jobs or jobs in related or non-related sectors.
                                                                       mand?                                                                       Produce recommendations of training requirements to meet the needs
                                                                                                                                                     identified and evaluate the available federal and state programs to
                                                                                                                                                     meet these needs.
                                              Existing labor         What federal and state government-sponsored programs are used to              Prepare and annotate a comprehensive inventory of current federal
                                                market pro-           match individuals with employment opportunities?                               and state labor market programs that link workers to job opportuni-
                                                grams that link      What is the capacity of each program to meet the needs of displaced             ties.
                                                workers to em-        commercial and non-commercial drivers?                                       Evaluate the capacity of these programs to meet the needs of commer-
                                                ployment.                                                                                            cial and non-commercial drivers displaced by autonomous vehicles.
                                              Identification of      What gap(s) exist between existing programs and the needs of com-             Identify modifications to existing public or private training programs to
                                                how existing            mercial and non-commercial drivers, including transitioning to new           include the teaching of new skills to safely operate ADS equipped
                                                public or private       jobs?                                                                        vehicles as well as new skills needed to transition to other jobs.
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                                                training pro-        If gaps exist, what recommended modifications to existing programs
                                                grams can be            are needed to meet these needs?
                                                modified to ad-
                                                dress skill gaps.


                                                2 https://avworkforce.secureenergy.org/wp-                  3 Commercial drivers for the scope of this study         driving tow trucks, tractor trailers, motor coaches,
                                              content/uploads/2018/06/Groshen-et-al-Report-              is defined as professional drivers who earn a living        and buses.
                                              June-2018-1.pdf.



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                                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 195 / Tuesday, October 9, 2018 / Notices                                                               50749

                                                Area of inquiry                                 Research questions                                                               General study tasks

                                                                                                                3. Technology Operational Safety Issues

                                              Impact to situa-      What are the risks of reduced situational awareness for a driver using             Complete a literature review on the risks of the lack of driver vigilance
                                                tional aware-        ADAS technology, such as the potential for increased drowsiness?                    and reduced situational awareness when operating a vehicle
                                                ness caused by                                                                                           equipped with ADS or ADAS technologies. Produce a typology on
                                                ADS and ADAS.                                                                                            the kinds of risks that are generated by this technology.
                                              Options for reduc- Quantify the likelihood of reduced driver situational awareness and                   Review existing human subject research and engage relevant stake-
                                                ing safety risks     identify methods and options to mitigate these risks.                               holders to identify existing and potential technological applications to
                                                of reduced situ-                                                                                         address human factors risk.
                                                ational aware-
                                                ness.
                                              Visibility, mobility, What are the principle safety issues associated with the use of                    Identify and catalog existing studies on visibility, mobility, and safety
                                                and safety           platooning such as the reduced visibility of drivers in the following               issues related to truck platooning. Provide an annotated inventory of
                                                issues related       vehicles, and the interaction of passenger cars with truck platoons at              current or developing technologies which can address these issues
                                                to platooning.       highway speeds? What are the potential positive benefits of                         and their likelihood of adoption. Catalog state laws addressing truck
                                                                     platooning technologies?                                                            platoon operations.

                                                                                                               4. Quality of Life Effects Due to Automation

                                              Potential effects      Given that higher level of automation allows drivers,          subject to this    Conduct a comprehensive literature review of health issues associated
                                                to health and          study, to conduct other tasks other than driving, how        will this impact     with commercial and non-commercial drivers, including mental fa-
                                                quality of life        the health and quality of life of the driving labor force.                        tigue related to traffic and queueing.
                                                due to ADS and       What are the potential economic benefits to increased          access to jobs     Explore insights into how HAV and ADAS can mitigate health issues,
                                                ADAS.                  and the community for transportation-disadvantaged           riders such as       state of the industry pertaining to ADAS and HAV mobility as a serv-
                                                                       people with disabilities and seniors.                                             ice including research studies relating to technology readiness, ena-
                                                                                                                                                         bling new job opportunities, and gaps in achieving the complete trip
                                                                                                                                                         vision for older Americans and people with disabilities.
                                                Note: Each of the four study components may include stakeholder outreach, as appropriate, to inform the analysis and identify relevant data sources.


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Document Created: 2018-10-06 00:58:33
Document Modified: 2018-10-06 00:58:33
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
ActionNotice of request for comments.
ContactIf you have questions about this notice, please contact us at [email protected] or Kareem Habib (202- 366-1601) or Sujeesh Kurup (202-366-9953).
FR Citation83 FR 50747 

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