As automated driving systems (ADS) and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) continue to be integrated into the U.S. vehicle fleet, the role of the human driver is changing.

Traditionally, the human driver has been in full control of operating a vehicle through each driving task; however, ADS and ADAS are steadily advancing and moving the human driver’s role to that of a fallback-ready user. As technology advances and the role of the human shifts away from that of a traditional driver, so will the interactions that first responders, such as law enforcement, fire and rescue, and emergency medical services, have with civilian vehicles.