Preferences of Individuals With Different Levels of Visual Impairment for Autonomous Vehicles

Autonomous vehicles hold promise for enabling independent travel for individuals with visual impairment. This study examined the relationship between severity of visual impairment and preferences for autonomous vehicles. Individuals with visual impairment completed an online survey with questions about their visual status, their trust and acceptance for vehicles of different automation levels, and their preferred modes of interaction with the vehicles. The results showed a general preference for vehicles with full automation. However, individuals with less severe impairment showed considerable trust and acceptance for lower levels of automation. While most individuals prefer the auditory/speech as the modality of interaction with autonomous vehicles, those with less severe impairment still wish to use the visual modality of interaction. Our findings suggest that preferences for autonomous vehicles vary depending on the severity of visual impairment, which should be considered during the design of the vehicles.