Automated Driving

Abstract

Having entered public and scientific debate only recently, automated driving is a fresh topic. It is increasingly acknowledged that automated driving requires broader examination, beyond technical issues, to include individual and societal acceptance, which is a prerequisite for its implementation. The challenge for empirical research, however, is that nonprofessional individuals have little knowledge of and usually no experience with driverless cars. The paper presents an innovative approach to explore and structure the acceptance of automated driving. This study was made by analyzing comments on German and U.S. print media website articles. The statements were scanned for topics discussed by the participants. The method applied three steps: statement collection, issue categorization, and importance and connotation assessment (positive and negative). Further analysis involved contrasting German and U.S. comments. The results indicated a heterogeneous discussion of automated driving in both countries without, however, being evidently for or against it. Although the U.S. statements addressed societal aspects much more, the Germans often focused on liability questions. The method proved relevant in structuring the topic and laying a solid foundation for empirical research on a new mode of transportation's acceptance.