University students’ perspectives on autonomous vehicle adoption: Adelaide case study

Abstract

Self-driving cars are getting closer to becoming a reality, with some potential benefits including increased road safety and improved traffic flow. Most research to date have focused on the general public as potential users of autonomous vehicles (AVs), whereas this study surveyed 152 students from the University of South Australia, Adelaide, on their perspectives, particularly on travel patterns and factors influencing AV acceptance. The study made use of structural equation modelling (SEM) in R programming environment. The findings revealed that applied science students and those who drive to campus are more likely to use AV technology than other groups. The younger male students favoured AV selection more than the female students. The study, on the other hand, found that the majority of students are concerned about cyber-security and the failure of AVs, but are willing to adopt AV technology in the case of a no-cost barrier. This research would be useful in determining what infrastructures, policies, and strategies are required to prepare for the introduction of AV technology in closed environments such as university campuses.