Social interactions between automated vehicles and human drivers: a narrative review

Roads are social spaces where human road users engage in communication, cooperation, and competition. With the introduction of automated vehicles (AVs) into this space, it becomes crucial to understand human-AV social interactions. This narrative review examines current research in this emerging field, synthesising insights from empirical studies that compare human-human interactions (regular traffic) with human-AV interactions (mixed traffic). We reviewed empirical studies using survey experiments, simulator experiments, test-track experiments, on-road observations, and AV accident analysis. They present mixed evidence on the influences of human-AV interactions in mixed traffic, with an overall negative trend. Negative influences are bi-directional: humans may interact with AVs less cautiously, such as driving more aggressively or exploiting AVs, while AVs can induce negative changes in driver behaviours, including exerting negative peer influences and creating challenges for drivers. We develop a typology of problematic social interactions and highlight outstanding research opportunities.