ABSTRACT
Automated vehicles (AVs) are being trialed and deployed in many countries around the world. They are predicted to yield a variety of societal benefits. However, the predicted benefits of AVs are unlikely to be realized unless there is driver and societal acceptance of them. To this end, it is important to gauge peoples’ acceptability (before use) and acceptance (after use) of AV technologies. The overarching aim of this chapter is to review what is known, internationally, about public opinion and attitudes towards AVs (primarily about fully AVs). First, we review empirical research that has examined public opinion about this technology, including perceived benefits and concerns associated with it, and how these vary as a function of key sociodemographic variables such as gender and age. Next, we examine some cross-cultural differences in AV-related opinions and attitudes and explore peoples’ willingness to pay for the technology. After that, we examine literature on AV acceptance to explore how actually experiencing AV technology influences opinions and attitudes. Finally, we conclude by noting some key findings and limitations of the existing literature and suggesting some areas for future research.
