Who Would Put Their Child Alone In An Autonomous Vehicle? Preliminary Look At Gender Differences

While previous studies have examined public opinions of autonomous vehicles, there is a distinct gap in the literature concerning opinions of the use of AVs to transport children. This study examined participants’ concerns about and willingness to use AVs to transport children unaccompanied. Specifically, it focused on differences in attitudes between men and women and between parent versus non-parent groups. Significant results were found between these groups, with men and non-parents being more willing to use AVs to transport children unaccompanied. All groups demonstrated a significant hesitance toward such use, with only very small percentages indicating that they definitely would use AVs to transport children unaccompanied.