sCARy! Risk Perceptions in Autonomous Driving: The Influence of Experience on Perceived Benefits and Barriers

Abstract

The increasing development of autonomous vehicles (AVs) influences the future of transportation. Beyond the potential benefits in terms of safety, efficiency, and comfort, also potential risks of novel driving technologies need to be addressed. In this article, we explore risk perceptions toward connected and autonomous driving in comparison to conventional driving. In order to gain a deeper understanding of individual risk perceptions, we adopted a two‐step empirical procedure. First, focus groups (N=17) were carried out to identify relevant risk factors for autonomous and connected driving. Further, a questionnaire was developed, which was answered by 516 German participants. In the questionnaire, three driving technologies (connected, autonomous, conventional) were evaluated via semantic differential (rating scale to identify connotative meaning of technologies). Second, participants rated perceived risk levels (for data, traffic environment, vehicle, and passenger) and perceived benefits and barriers of connected/autonomous driving. Since previous experience with automated functions of driver assistance systems can have an impact on the evaluation, three experience groups have been formed. The effect of experience on benefits and barrier perceptions was also analyzed. Risk perceptions were significantly smaller for conventional driving compared to connected/autonomous driving. With increasing experience, risk perception decreases for novel driving technologies with one exception: the perceived risk in handling data is not influenced by experience. The findings contribute to an understanding of risk perception in autonomous driving, which helps to foster a successful implementation of AVs on the market and to develop public information strategies.

Rolling in the deep

“…In addition, risk assessments in autonomous driving technology were found to be influenced by the prior experience with technology in general and the experience with driver assistance systems 1 (Brell et al 2019d;2019c).…”

“…With increasing knowledge of and experience with automated driving systems, risk perceptions towards autonomous driving decreased and acceptance of the technology increased (Brell et al 2019d;2019c;Ward et al 2017). Apparently, the familiarity with the handling of advanced speed regulation systems increased the trust perceptions in the reliability and safety of the system, and the discomfort towards the autonomous (uncontrollable) nature of the system decreased.…”

“…Apparently, the familiarity with the handling of advanced speed regulation systems increased the trust perceptions in the reliability and safety of the system, and the discomfort towards the autonomous (uncontrollable) nature of the system decreased. Independently of experience, however, the most critical factors for the broad acceptance are users' attitudes towards invasions of privacy and distrust in a transparent data handling (Brell et al 2019d;2019c).…”

Approaching autonomous driving with cautious optimism: analysis of road traffic injuries involving autonomous vehicles based on field test data

“…Autonomous vehicles (AVs), also known as ‘robotic’, ‘driverless’ or ‘self-driving’ vehicles, evolved from the preceding advanced driving assistant system and had improved target distinguishing arithmetic, route planning and active control. It is anticipated that AVs will be a revolutionary technological innovation with the potential to lower the permit threshold of driving, reduce travel costs, mitigate environmental pollution and improve road safety 6–8. A survey showed that the public were likely to be receptive to AVs when provided with information relating to public health benefits 9.…”

Special Series: Social Science of Automated Driving

“…Risk and benefit perceptions were also key variables in Brell, Philipsen, and Ziefle's () contribution. Using a two‐step empirical approach of focus groups and a survey, they explored risk perceptions of connected and autonomous vehicles in comparison to conventional driving and found that autonomous driving was perceived as riskier than conventional driving.…”