Objective: We aimed to quantify, through simulations using real crash data, the number of potentially avoided crashes following different replacement levels of light vehicles by level-5 automated light vehicles (AVs). Methods: Since level-5 AVs are not on the road yet, or are too rare, we simulated their introduction into traffic using a national database of all fatal crashes and 5% of injury crashes observed in France in 2011. We fictitiously replaced a certain proportion of light vehicles (LVs) involved in crashes by level-5 AVs, and applied crash avoidance probabilities estimated by a number of experts regarding the capabilities of AVs depending on specific configurations. Estimates of the percentage of avoided crashes per user configuration and according to three selected (10%, 50%, 100%) replacement levels were made, as well as estimates taking into account the relative weight of these crash configurations, and considering fatal and injury crashes separately. Results: Our simulation suggests that a reduction of almost half of fatal crashes (56%) and injury crashes (46%) could be expected by replacing all LVs on the road with level-5 AVs. The introduction of AVs would be the least effective for crashes involving a vulnerable road user, especially motorcyclists. Conclusion: This result represents encouraging prospects for the introduction of automated vehicles into traffic, while making it clear that, even with all light vehicles replaced with level 5-AVs, all issues would not be solved, especially for crashes involving motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians.

Background/Objectives: Very few studies describe the various feelings experienced in the emergency department (ED). Our study describes the pain, stress, and negative and positive emotions experienced by patients admitted to the ED in relation to age, gender, and reason for ED admission. Methods: Patients admitted to the ED of seven French hospitals were surveyed as part of the randomised multicentre study SOFTER IV (n = 2846). They reported the intensity of their pain on a numerical rating scale of 0 to 10, the intensity of their stress on an equivalent scale, and their emotions on a five-point rating scale using an adapted version of the Geneva Emotion Wheel proposed by Scherer, based on eight core emotions: fear, anger, regret, sadness, relief, interest, joy, and satisfaction. Results: Patients reported an average pain rating of 4.5 (SD = 3.0) and an average stress rating of 3.4 (SD = 3.1). Forty-six percent reported at least one strong negative emotion, and the two most frequently reported were fear and sadness. Forty-seven percent of patients described feeling at least one strong positive emotion, and the two most frequently reported were interest and relief. Pain was significantly higher among female patients under 60 admitted for injury. Stress was significantly higher among female patients under 60 admitted for illness. Emotions of negative valency were significantly higher among women admitted for injury. Emotions of positive valency were significantly higher among men over 60 admitted for illness. Conclusions: Experiences of pain, stress, and emotions have a strong presence in the ED. The reporting of these feelings varies depending on age, gender, and reason for ED admission.

This study aims to assess whether the emotions experienced during an urgent health problem represent risk factors for developing chronic pain. A pain study was carried out as part of a randomized multicentre study on the prevention of post-concussion syndrome and post-traumatic stress syndrome (SOFTER) following emergency hospitalisation. Nine hundred and fourteen patients not suffering from chronic pain at admission provided information on the presence and intensity of eight emotions (anger, fear, regret, sadness, relief, contentment, joy, and interest) during their stay at the emergency department. Four months later, they were called to assess if chronic pain had developed. The predisposition to experience these emotions prior to the emergency room was questioned at this occasion. Four months after their admission to the emergency department (ED), 30 % of the patients described experiencing chronic pain. Adjusted for patient's perception of own health, intensity of acute pain, reason for visit and level of education at the time of admission, sadness (OR = 1.5 95 % CI = [1.1-2.2]) and anger (OR = 1.6 95 % CI = [1.1-2.5]) declared in the ED were predictive of pain status at four months. By taking into account patient pre-disposition to feel each of these two emotions, we observed a significantly higher risk of chronic pain at four months among patients pre-disposed to anger who declared a relatively strong anger during their time spent in the ED (OR = 2.90, IC = 1.12-7.52). This study shows that the emotional state of patients admitted to the ED must be taken into consideration in order to detect people likely to experience chronic pain and therefore offer personalised preventive treatment. Further studies will be necessary to better comprehend the role played by emotions in the development of chronic pain.