The risk ethics of autonomous vehicles: a continuous trolley problem in regular road traffic

• URL: http://arxiv.org/abs/2206.03258v1
• Date: Tue, 24 May 2022 20:49:28 GMT
• Title: The risk ethics of autonomous vehicles: a continuous trolley problem in regular road traffic
• Authors: Sebastian Kr\"ugel and Matthias Uhl
• Abstract summary: We argue that autonomous vehicles (AVs) distribute risks between road users in regular traffic situations, either explicitly or implicitly. Using an interactive, graphical representation of different traffic situations, we measured participants' preferences on driving maneuvers of AVs. Our participants were willing to take risks themselves for the benefit of other road users suggesting that the social dilemma of AVs may lessen in a context of risk.
• Score: 0.0
• License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
• Abstract: Is the ethics of autonomous vehicles (AVs) restricted to weighing lives in unavoidable accidents? We argue that AVs distribute risks between road users in regular traffic situations, either explicitly or implicitly. This distribution of risks raises ethically relevant questions that cannot be evaded by simple heuristics such as "hitting the brakes." Using an interactive, graphical representation of different traffic situations, we measured participants' preferences on driving maneuvers of AVs in a representative survey in Germany. Our participants' preferences deviated significantly from mere collision avoidance. Interestingly, our participants were willing to take risks themselves for the benefit of other road users suggesting that the social dilemma of AVs may lessen in a context of risk.

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