# Teenagers and Automated Vehicles: Are They Ready to Use Them?
## 4 Results and Discussion
### Focus Group Results
#### 4.1.5 Will You Use AVs to Satisfy Your Mobility Needs? The majority of the teenagers mentioned that they would use AVs or, in some cases, that they would use them under certain conditions to satisfy their mobility needs; these were followed by those not willing to use them, whereas only a few seemed to be neutral or undecided. The ones willing to consider AVs for their daily commuting emphasised that these vehicles could reach a comparable or even a lower error rate than human drivers, while others would use them for long distance trips in a transport system where all the vehicles were connected and automated. Those that were willing to use AVs under certain conditions mentioned that they would be in favour of a solution that enabled the person to choose between automated and non-automated modes. They also mentioned that the first time they might feel'scared' or 'nervous' using such vehicles and that gaining trust in the technology would help to overcome these feelings and to convince them to use AVs more frequently. More safety tests in place and compliance with high safety standards were mentioned as enablers that could encourage them to use these vehicles. On the other hand, the teenagers who did not consider AVs as a means to fulfil their daily mobility needs mentioned that they would be eager to drive conventional vehicles by themselves once obtaining their driving license, considering driving as a 'fun' experience that AVs could not provide. _\"I think the whole \"hands off the wheel\" takes away the fun of driving\"_. [PERSON], 16 y/o  
_\"It's always kind of my dream to get my driver license and actually drive a car\"_. [PERSON], 14 y/o  
Some of the teenagers linked their reluctance towards AVs with safety concerns related to a lack of control in cases of terrorist attacks or hacking attempts. Safety concerns were also pointed out by teenagers who were undecided whether using AVs could satisfy their mobility needs, but these concerns were not only related to the vehicle itself but also to the interaction with pedestrians and other vulnerable users and to the currently inadequate infrastructure (e.g., narrow roads in specific areas). It is important to remark that teenagers emphasised in this sub-section some of the challenges AVs must overcome to accelerate deployment and use among the younger population. Reluctance and the need to gain trust in AV technology was also observed among other potential user groups in the literature, such as women (Women, 2018) or the general population (Women, 2018; Women, 2018). Additionally, the discussions revealed a group of teenagers not yet convinced by the benefits of AVs who desired to obtain their driving licence and experience driving by themselves. This is a finding that is in contrast with the advantage of AVs, which can used by minors without a driving licence. 4.1.6. What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Avs? Next, the teenagers were asked to provide details about the advantages and disadvantages they could anticipate with regard to the deployment and use of AVs. In order to structure the information gathered, the inputs were classified in two categories: societal and individual. Some of the societal advantages identified were related to an improved road system due to the AVs deployment in terms of traffic, travel time, and public transport efficiency. _\"With these vehicles on the roads, there would be less traffic because they communicate one to another\"_. Victor, 17 y/o  
AVs were also identified as solutions that could potentially reduce the number of car accidents since machines are less accident-prone compared to human beings. Accessibility could be improved for certain passenger categories (e.g., older people, people with disabilities, minors, or people without a driving license), given that a driving license and driving limitations would not be in place anymore. Some participants added that the deployment of AVs will contribute to the reduction in pollutant emissions and improve labour market conditions with the creation of new jobs.