Users’ Expectations, Fears, and Attributions Regarding Autonomous Driving – A Comparison of Traffic Scenarios

Abstract

The development towards autonomous driving is about to change our future mobility. Though there is public consent on perceived benefits of autonomous driving, potential drawbacks are also considered. In this survey, we focused on the user-centered assessment of autonomous driving in comparison of two traffic scenarios (“city” vs “highway”) using an online questionnaire. Participants were generally more affirmative in regard to using autonomous vehicles on the highway than in the urban area. Attributions measured on a semantic differential were more positive with respect to highway use. Motives regarding the use of autonomous vehicles differed between the scenarios, mainly in terms of the simplicity and complexity of the driving situation, with autonomous vehicles being considered feasible for highways but not for cities. However, some evaluation patterns were independent of the context, revealing controversial attitudes and perceived trade-offs in both scenarios. Participants indicated positive expectations regarding the novel transport experience, but also fears of use, mainly described in terms of control issues. Findings of this survey can be used in further research in the field of human-automation interaction and build the basis for education and communication concepts to increase public awareness.