Public Perception, Trust, and Ethical Considerations in Au-tonomous Vehicles: A Comprehensive Survey in Spanish population

The successful integration of autonomous vehicles (AVs) into society hinges on public acceptance, which is closely linked to trust. This study investigates the factors influencing initial trust and specific trust requirements for the acceptance of AVs among Spanish population. A national survey was conducted with 400 participants, selected to represent the demographic diversity of Spain. The survey assessed participants' prior experience with AVs, demographic characteristics, ethical concerns, and trust levels. The findings indicate that individuals with prior direct experience with AVs exhibit higher initial trust levels. Demographic variables such as age, gender, and education significantly influence trust requirements; notably, younger and higher-educated individuals demonstrate lower trust thresholds. Ethical concerns, including data privacy and algorithmic transparency, emerge as significant predictors of trust levels. When contextualized with international studies, these findings highlight unique cultural and regulatory influences on trust in AVs within Spain. These insights are crucial for policymakers and manufacturers aiming to enhance public trust promote the ethical development and public acceptance of AVs to facilitate the widespread adoption of AVs.