Public Perception regarding Autonomous Vehicles in Developing Countries: A Case study of Pakistan

Autonomous vehicles are not only revolutionizing the automotive industry throughout the world, but also shaping a new form of safe, convenient and homogeneous transport system. However, the acceptance of this innovative technology depends on public perception. This issue of acceptance becomes more complex in developing countries, like Pakistan, due to completely different socio-economic conditions and values. This study aims at understanding the acceptance of autonomous vehicle technology from the perception of the youth of Pakistan. A questionnaire containing various questions regarding awareness, concerns, anticipated benefits and scenario settings were distributed among 356 students from three universities in Lahore namely University of Central Punjab, University of Engineering and Technology and University of Management and Technology. Results revealed that most of the participants are aware of this technology, although autonomous vehicles are not yet launched in Pakistan. Further, respondents showed serious concerns regarding the idea of travelling in a driverless public vehicle as well as encountering driverless trucks on road, while accepting most of the advantages associated with autonomous vehicles. The results also depicted a sense of distrust in autonomous vehicles used for unattended movement of kids.