Analyzing Usage Behavior and Preferences of Drivers Regarding Shared Automated Vehicles: Insights from an Online Survey

Studies show that shared automated vehicles (SAV) can increase public acceptance of automation and enable affordable on-demand mobility. However, the varying levels of knowledge about driver assistance systems (DAS) among users of automated vehicles can lead to their underuse or misuse. With the concept of vehicle sharing, familiarity with DAS varies depending on the individual user and the vehicle used. To address this issue, drivers of SAV need to be adequately informed about DAS and their intended use. This information could be provided before the trip through tutorials or during the trip through human-machine interfaces (HMI). Understanding user characteristics and expectations is essential to make these information concepts appealing. Accordingly, we conducted an online survey to gain insights into drivers’ utilization patterns and preferences concerning shared vehicles and the use of automated driving features. The results indicate a desire for more information about the availability and intended use of DAS among users but a rejection of mandatory pre-driving introductions. The study highlights the importance of configurable and adaptive HMI concepts to provide information while driving, respecting the drivers’ needs and preferences.