Unraveling the impact of autonomous driving threat perception on risky driving

Abstract

This empirical study investigates the occupational safety challenges confronting the traditional taxi industry amidst the innovation of autonomous driving technologies. With the rapid iteration and commercialization of autonomous driving systems, the global taxi service sector is undergoing structural transformation. During this transition, traditional taxi drivers face multidimensional impacts including order diversion, income reduction, and occupational transition pressures. The resultant emotional exhaustion and dangerous driving behaviors have posed significant safety risks to 18 million public transport practitioners and hundreds of millions of commuters. However, existing research demonstrates insufficient empirical analysis of relevant impact mechanisms, constraining academic understanding of potential risks. Grounded in Protection Motivation Theory, this research examines the moderating effects of perceived autonomous driving threats and technology acceptance on the relationship between work-economic stressors and emotional exhaustion, while elucidating the pathways through which stress transmission induces dangerous driving behaviors. The findings will inform policymakers in developing safer technology transition strategies to safeguard public safety and prevent large-scale traffic accidents.