Abstract:
The successful implementation and usage of autonomous vehicles (AVs) are mainly in the hands of the public. In this context, it is crucial to understand the factors influencing the public’s intention to use an AV and their concerns regarding the existing roadway infrastructure for operating AVs in autonomous mode. This paper aims to address this research gap by analyzing 305 survey responses collected from residents of Ottawa. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) model was adopted to understand the influence of performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, hedonic motivation, and social influence on the behavioural intention to use a highly autonomous vehicle. Structural equation modeling showed that social influence and performance expectancy of AV technology significantly influenced the behavioural intention to use a Level 4 AV. The second part of the survey was focused on understanding public concerns regarding the current roadway infrastructure and maintenance strategies for using high-level AVs. The outcomes revealed that about 59% of the respondents believed the current roadway infrastructure is not sufficient for AVs, while about 67% expressed their fear of using AVs in autonomous mode during harsh environmental conditions and heavy snowfall. Respondents were most concerned about winter road maintenance, road markings and signs, and road surface conditions. The findings of this study could help policymakers understand public perceptions of AVs and have implications for other stakeholders in the AV industry.
Contributors: Zawad F S, Barzegaran J, Hossain K.