D3.1 User-centered recommendations

Focussing on the consequences of large-scale CAV adoption, D3.1 combines results from Tasks 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 and presents the outcomes of the first survey conducted in WP3, embedded in the context of existing literature. The aim is to provide user-centered recommendations based on survey results and literature on CAV adoption consequences.

Results of the survey replicate and extend previous findings, both by employing a stratified sample across multiple countries (Germany, France, Italy and UK) and providing results from the subpopulations (car-sharing users, professional drivers, people with visual impairments, and road cousers).

We investigated which anticipated consequences are the most importantly rated by participants, and which tend to be seen favorably or unfavorably by respondents. Our results provide instructive information on how to design CAV systems.

While positive consequences were expected in the context of road safety, stress reduction, enjoyment and life quality, negative consequences were expected in the areas of privacy and driving fun. Environmental issues could be somewhat ambiguous, mostly due to the necessary distinction between CAV usage as private cars vs in public transport context of busses. Participation in social life turned out to rank at a relatively high importance for respondents across the board, though expectations for improvement due to CAV adoption were neutral. While country differences were less pronounced, some differing expectations were uncovered in the subpopulations: An increase in cost was particularly worrisome for respondents with visual impairments, while the potential for social life and economic participation ranked particularly high in importance for them. Car-sharing users were sensitive to privacy consequences and the potential positive impact of CAVs on safety. Comfort improvements were more prominently featured in responses from professional drivers. Especially with regards to busses, respondents expected improvements for scenery and traffic congestion.

These aspects are discussed in the context of existing literature and policy recommendations.