Stakeholder views on the social issues relating to the introduction of autonomous vehicles. (September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pettigrew, Simone; Cronin, Sophie L.
• Is Part Of: Transport policy. Volume 81(2019)
• Page Start: 64
• Page End: 67
• Publication Date: 2019-09
• Subjects: Autonomous vehicles -- Government inquiry -- Submissions -- Policy implications; Transportation and state -- Periodicals; Transportation -- Rates -- Periodicals; 388
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tranpol.2019.06.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0967-070X

Abstract

Abstract: Transport systems are increasingly featuring vehicles with autonomous capabilities. In preparation for full vehicle autonomy, governments around the world need to anticipate and prepare for a wide range of technical, social, and regulatory issues. To guide planning processes, the Australian Government commissioned an inquiry into various issues associated with the advent of driverless vehicles. The aims of the present study were to (1) document the prevalence of mentions of the major issues raised in the submissions to the Inquiry and (2) compare the types of issues raised by different categories of submitters. The written submissions and the transcriptions of the verbal submissions (n = 50) were coded to identify the nature and extent of the issues raised. Overall there was strong convergence in issues identified by submitters across the four stakeholder categories of government, research, private, and advocacy representatives. There were more perceived advantages of autonomous vehicles than disadvantages, and there was strong recognition of the potential for this new technology to save lives and provide enhanced mobility for the elderly and disabled. The results highlight areas needing greater attention to ensure the substantial potential of autonomous vehicles to benefit society is fully realized. Highlights: The advent of autonomous vehicles has vast social and policy implications. Representatives from four major stakeholder groups nominated similar issues. Strong awareness of benefits of reduced crashes and increased mobility for elderly. Swift action is needed to enable the potential social benefits to be fully realized.