Trust in partially automated driving systems for trucks: A quantitative empirical study

Abstract

The growing freight traffic between metropolitan areas represents one of many challenges arising from urbanisation. This increase in freight traffic in turn represents a contributing factor to rising traffic fatalities as well as environmental pollution. Introducing innovative solutions, such as partially automated driving systems in trucks, may reduce these negative effects. However, successful market entry of those systems remains dependant on truck drivers’ acceptance and trust for those systems. This study analyses trust in partially automated driving systems with longitudinal and lateral guidance on highways and its influencing factors. For this purpose, a model for trust was developed and empirically tested using a quantitative online survey with a sample of 250 German truck drivers. Based on a multiple linear regression analysis, the developed model can be confirmed with 63.5% explained variance of trust. Thereby, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, driving comfort, driving pleasure and road safety were identified as important predictors for trust. The identified factors could be considered for further research as well as for designing and introducing partially automated driving systems. An improved understanding of user benefits will also help to ensure a faster diffusion of this technology, thus helping to reduce traffic risks.