The Perception of Autonomous Driving in Rural Communities
In rural communities across America, the accessibility and adoption of new technology, such as access to high-speed internet, typically occurs some time after their urban counterparts [Parker, et al., 2018]. This can be attributed to a number of factors including a lack of infrastructure, resources, or a reluctance by rural citizens and communities to incorporate change in their lives, particularly if there does not seem to be an immediate need to so. In other words, if it ain’t broke, why fix it? This project seeks to explore these viewpoints, particularly as they relate to autonomous and self-driving vehicle capabilities. This project examines: (1) the extent to which rural community members might adopt self-driving capabilities for personal travel, (2) their confidence in such technology, and (3) how this technology might influence their current lifestyle. The research findings will help state and local transportation officials, planners, and engineers responsible for managing regional highways and roadways in rural communities by expanding the collective understanding of current and future transportation and technology demands in rural communities. The feedback will also help to shape policy and guide future education and outreach efforts.
Language
- English
Project
- Status: Completed
- Funding: $130000
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Contract Numbers:
Grant # 69A3551747129
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Sponsor Organizations:
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology
University Transportation Centers Program
Department of Transportation
Washington, DC United States 20590 -
Managing Organizations:
Center for Safety Equity in Transportation
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, AK United States 99775 -
Performing Organizations:
Department of Civil Engineering
P.O. Box 441022
Moscow, ID United States 83844-1022 -
Principal Investigators:
Chang, Kevin
Sarathchandra, Dilshani
- Start Date: 20210701
- Expected Completion Date: 20230630
- Actual Completion Date: 0
- USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Attitudes; Autonomous vehicles; Driving; Rural areas
- Subject Areas: Highways; Planning and Forecasting; Society; Vehicles and Equipment;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01773224
- Record Type: Research project
- Source Agency: Center for Safety Equity in Transportation
- Contract Numbers: Grant # 69A3551747129
- Files: UTC, RIP
- Created Date: May 26 2021 11:01PM