Moral Dilemma Facing Autonomous Vehicles: A Discrete Choice Model

The proliferation of autonomous vehicles (AVs) adjoins an unprecedented paradigm to the transportation industry in countries worldwide. Drivers are no longer required at the wheel for Level 5 AVs and practically become passengers in this setting. However, a new conundrum arises in the form of a moral dilemma as the AV must now regulate its own behaviour and be responsible for deciding the most optimal course of action to adopt during a traffic accident, where casualties are expected. In this paper, we aim to investigate the expectations of potential AV users in Singapore when they are faced with moral dilemma situations regarding a Level 5 AV and appraise how AV manufacturers can implement an ideal decision-making model. Stated preference survey has been conducted via an online survey platform. A discrete choice model is formulated to analyse the relationship between respondents’ choice of sacrifice or protection of pedestrians versus AV passengers and the contributing socioeconomic factors. The results show that younger and more societally important people, regardless of gender, AV occupants or pedestrians, were less likely to be the sacrificial targets in a traffic accident. This study can provide policy implications for the fundamental stakeholders of AV moral dilemma on the AV decision-making model.