Analysis of Factors Influencing the Perceived Safety of Automated Vehicles: A DEMATEL-AISM Approach

Kaiyi YE
School of Urban Design，Wuhan University，Wuhan 430072； 2 School of Design and Engineering ， ChinaWuhan Qingchuan University，Wuhan 430204;
Dongxiao CHU
School of Urban Design，Wuhan University，Wuhan 430072； 2 School of Design and Engineering ， ChinaWuhan Qingchuan University，Wuhan 430204; 3 Research Center for Digital City，Wuhan University，Wuhan 430072

Abstract:

Public acceptance of autonomous vehicles is largely shaped by passengers' perception of safety. This study employs user interviews and literature reviews to pinpoint 16 factors that influence perceived safety, grouped into four categories: objective human characteristics, subjective feelings, objective vehicle and road conditions, and objective environmental conditions. By applying the DEMATEL and AISM methods, nine critical factors and their hierarchical model were established. The findings suggest that risk perception is the most key factor among those identified, followed by perceived controllability, risk sensitivity, unpredictable situations, technology awareness, feedback, familiarity, system errors, comfort, and traffic conditions. Among these, risk perception, risk sensitivity, and perceived controllability form an interactive cycle, directly impacting perceived safety. Moreover, in-vehicle interactions affect these three elements, as illustrated in the topological hierarchy diagram. Therefore, it can be inferred that to enhance passengers' perceived safety, the following measures are necessary: (1) tailoring the ride experience to the passenger type, (2) enhancing the existing road network traffic system, (3) amplifying media promotion of autonomous driving technology, and (4) creating in-vehicle environments and interactions that are comfortable and familiar to users.