Investigating the preferences for autonomous vehicle use in European road transport: a binary logit model

This research study investigates the factors shaping European citizens’ perceptions and decisions regarding the adoption of Autonomous Vehicles (AVs). Key aspects such as safety, infrastructure readiness, data protection, legislation, and vehicle cost, were identified through a literature review. An online stated preference survey collected 235 responses across Europe, which were analyzed using Binary Logistic Regression. Findings reveal that safety is the most influential factor, followed by road infrastructure and legislative support. Socio-demographic patterns show that younger and higher-income individuals are more likely to adopt AVs, while drivers of cars and motorcycles express more favorable attitudes toward automation. These insights emphasize the need to address regulatory, infrastructural, and social barriers to support AV integration. The study offers guidance for developing targeted strategies and policies to accelerate AV adoption in Europe, ensuring their benefits are accessible to a wide range of users.