Who should be responsible for setting standards for how automated vehicles are used? Insights of the US perspective from a 2021 nationwide survey

Automated Vehicles (AVs) are becoming widespread and are expected to revolutionize transportation, yet the standards governing their usage remain underexplored, particularly regarding who should set these standards. While the federal and local governments have traditionally played a key role, this study investigates public and community perceptions of who should be responsible for setting AV standards. Using data from 5111 responses in a nationwide Pew Research Center survey, ordered logistic regression assessed preferences for who should set AV standards: the federal government, users, companies/developers, and dealerships. Results show a strong preference for companies/developers to lead, followed by the federal government and users, with dealerships being the least favored. Preferences varied significantly by political ideology, gender, ethnicity, and income. Notably, respondents planning to use AVs and conservative Republicans supported greater user involvement in the standard-setting process. These findings suggest a growing demand for user participation alongside federal authority, which could enhance public trust and accelerate AV adoption. Policymakers are encouraged to consider these preferences in future regulatory frameworks to reflect diverse opinions and foster broader acceptance of AV technology.