Factors that influence parents' intentions of using autonomous vehicles to transport children to and from school. (March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jing, Peng; Du, Liuyang; Chen, Yuexia; Shi, Yuji; Zhan, Fengping; Xie, Junping
• Is Part Of: Accident analysis and prevention. Volume 152(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-03
• Subjects: Autonomous vehicles -- Parents' intentions -- Travel safety -- School travel; Accidents -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Accident Prevention -- Periodicals; Accidents -- Prévention -- Périodiques; 363.106
• DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2021.105991
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0001-4575

Abstract

Highlights: This study introduces face consciousness and public engagement into the field of autonomous vehicles acceptance. This study explores parents' intentions of using autonomous vehicles to transport children and potential determinants. This study reveals the specific content of parents' perceived risks and proposes mitigation measures. This study provides suggestions for manufacturers to develop autonomous vehicles to provide services for school travel. Abstract: High-level autonomous vehicles (AVs) are likely to improve the quality of children's travel to and from school (such as improve travel safety and increase travel mobility). These expected benefits will not be presented if parents are not willing to use AVs. Therefore, it is necessary to explore parents' intentions of using AVs to transport children to and from school (parents' intentions). This study has two primary aims: 1) Exploring parents' intentions and their potential determinants. 2) Making recommendations for manufacturers to develop and market AVs suitable for school travel based on the research results. Research results show that face consciousness with Chinese characteristics can significantly affect parents' intentions. Knowledge of AVs is the most significant factor in influencing parents' intentions. Perceived usefulness, attitude towards school travel in AVs, and perceived risk can significantly affect parents' intentions. The direct impact of perceived ease of use and public engagement on parents' intentions is not significant. Finally, this research could provide decision-making support for governments and manufacturers to formulate relevant policies and marketing strategies, promoting parents' acceptance of AVs.