From Expectation To Experience: A Before And After Survey Of Public Opinion On Autonomous Cars In Saudi Arabia

TL;DR

This study surveys Saudi citizens' perceptions of autonomous vehicles before and after exposure, revealing key factors like trust and safety that influence acceptance, with implications for policy and industry strategies.

Contribution

It provides the first comprehensive before-and-after survey of public opinion on AVs in Saudi Arabia, considering demographic influences and informing deployment strategies.

Findings

Trust and safety perceptions significantly affect acceptance

Demographic factors influence attitudes towards AVs

Exposure to AVs changes public opinion over time

Abstract

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are emerging as a transformative innovation in transportation, offering potential benefits in safety, sustainability, and efficiency. Saudi Arabian adoption of AVs aligns with Vision 2030, emphasizing smart mobility through initiatives such as the Riyadh Autonomous Metro and self-driving cars. This study explores Saudi citizens perceptions of AVs before and after exposure to these technologies and examines whether demographic factors age, gender, education level, and driving habits affect acceptance. Using quantitative methods, the findings provide insights into the broader influences shaping AV adoption, highlighting the importance of trust, perceived safety, and convenience. These results can inform policymakers and industry stakeholders on strategies to facilitate successful integration of AVs into Saudi Arabian transportation ecosystem.