A REACT Lab study conducted by PhD Candidate Gurdiljot Gill and lab head Dr. Alexander Bigazzi revealed British Columbian’s mixed perceptions of automated vehicles, particularly their effects on pedestrian comfort and safety. The TransLink-funded study engaged 1,133 participants from across B.C. and aimed to assess public sentiment toward self-driving vehicles (SDVs).
Key takeaways from the study include:
– 41% of participants felt that pedestrians faced reduced safety and comfort level in SDV interactions compared to human-driven vehicles, while 34% viewed SDV interactions more favourably;
– Participants are split in allowing SDVs on public roads (55% support allowing shared SDVs) but there is a clear consensus on regulations (92% of participants support requiring SDVs to be clearly identified, 89% require a person in the driver’s seat, and 72% do not support SDVs going near pedestrian priority areas); and
– To address the safety concerns of interacting road users, researchers propose a gradual introduction of SDVs—starting with a controlled pilot testing phase.
To read more about the methodology, results, and policy recommendations, visit the study page on our website: Perceived Safety and Comfort of Pedestrian Interactions with Self-driving Vehicles
Also, click on the following link to check out these interviews with:
· Global News
· City News
· CKNW – The Jas Johal Show
B.C. split on safety of self-driving cars – gradual introduction needed to build comfort among all road users.
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