WIP - Supporting road safety by analyzing social representations of automated vehicles

Automated Vehicles (AVs) have the capability to manage all driving tasks, ranging from navigation decisions to vehicle control under various conditions. They are central to numerous discussions and are perceived as key factors in enhancing traffic flow, safety, and mobility. However, drivers of Conventional Vehicles (CVs) may adjust their behaviors in response to the introduction of AVs, such as by reducing their safety margins [15]. This study aims to prospectively explore the reasons behind potential behavioral changes in CV drivers using the theoretical framework of Social Representations (SR). One of the functions of SR is to guide behaviors and practices by providing meaning to our actions [1]. Additionally, SRs have been utilized to foster greater engagement [2]. This paper presents preliminary results derived from two social psychology methods: free and hierarchical associations, and a Test of Context Independence (TCI) to identify the central core of SR. The findings raise questions about the similarities between the SRs associated with AVs and CVs. Although this research is ongoing and will incorporate additional complementary methods, the initial results already offer valuable insights for adapting road safety measures to make them more specific and engaging.