Prospects of Autonomous Vehicles In Evolving Countries: A Users’ Perspective

Abstract

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are going through many phases of trail and testing in advanced countries. Though the technological aspects are progressing, yet the social aspects of AVs related to users from developing countries are under-studied. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the grounds for prospects of AVs in evolving countries. From users’ perspective, technical, regulatory, and social challenges were addressed for smoother inclusion of AVs in mainstream traffic and markets. The research methodology involved the development of a questionnaire, which was piloted and was ethically approved. 600 subjects from metropolitan city of evolving country were recruited through random sampling technique. The collected data was analyzed through multiple methods including correlation and descriptive analysis following multiple linear regression techniques. A few findings on the awareness were that 52.5 % respondents had minor understanding of AVs whilst 47.5% were not aware of AVs at all. 25.6 % respondents were attracted to the fact that AVs have less human engagement factor, 25% were aware and hopeful that AVs are support for those who cannot drive due to physical disabilities, physical mobility constraints, 24% were aware of its self-parking features, 24% considered AVs a symbol of status for elite members of society. Regarding barriers towards AVs were also evaluated that presents the main reasons for AVs not yet being thought about or implemented. Results showed that 26% respondents were concerned about the poor infrastructure to support inclusion of AVs, 29.7% were about higher capital cost, 25% were about cyber security issues, 24% were about reduction in drivers' employment, and 27% were about the absence of legislative framework and pre-hand measures to adopt AVs. Based on the detailed study and its findings, the study shows an in-depth picture of the understanding and concerns of the people which was required to understand. The study recommended that the policymakers and industry stakeholders should focus on increasing awareness about the benefits of AVs whilst addressing concerns about cost and infrastructure. It is also required to design comprehensive frameworks regarding complex issues related to legislations, transport system’s existence and upgradation requirements, transport policy inclusive of AVs and promotion of incentives for early adopters. The study is useful for academicians, researchers, engineers, managers, and policy makers of evolving countries.