Tracking longitudinal changes in awareness, usage, and trust in autonomous vehicles: Evidence from large-scale, nationally representative U.S. surveys (2023–2025)

Tracking attitudes toward autonomous vehicles (AVs) is crucial to understand the facilitators and barriers to the further integration of AVs into society. Despite rapid progress in AV deployment across several U.S. metropolitan areas, high-quality surveys, particularly longitudinal data, are lacking to track the secular trend in public trust and experience with AV technology. The current study draws on three waves of survey data from a nationally representative longitudinal panel, between 2023 and 2025, to examine trends in awareness, usage, and trust in AVs, and to assess in what ways exposure to AVs might shape public trust. Results from chi-squared and two-sample proportion tests suggested a gradual increase in AV awareness and use. A difference-in-differences (DiD) analysis further revealed that individuals who had previously used AVs, despite being a small group, exhibited significantly higher trust after exposure. Additionally, persistent demographic differences were observed in awareness, usage, and trust in AV technology. Younger, higher-income, and more educated individuals reported greater awareness and trust, whereas older adults and lower-income groups remained hesitant. Women expressed lower levels of trust and more uncertainty than men. While overall adoption remains limited, the findings imply that direct interaction with AVs, not just an increase in awareness, may be a key driver in building trust. Demonstration initiatives, in combination with public education, could be critical for deeper integration of AVs into day-to-day life. As deployment continues to accelerate, continued efforts to monitor the change in demographic disparities will be essential to ensure equitable access to AV technology.