Technological advancements are continuously changing the human life. Like many other developments, autonomous vehicle system is attracting public interest and being widely discussed by all the stakeholders. Recent reports show that in future, autonomous vehicles or self-driving cars will be on roads in developed countries such as in UK and US. In this age of information technology, advancements made in developed countries not only move to the developing countries but also impact the opinions and lives of the people living in these countries. Therefore, there is a need to develop more effective strategies which can help the adaption of upcoming technologies in transport systems like autonomous vehicles. In this respect, user’s perception becomes highly significant as this can help designers by providing them the information about real time issues and human observations. Up till now, no significant work has been carried out on exploring the user’s perception about autonomous vehicles in developing countries like Pakistan. This study aims at capturing the user’s view point about the use of autonomous vehicles which can provide relevant information on perceived benefits and challenges in user’s perspective. An underlying objective is also to compare this perspective with developed countries like US, UK, and Australia etc. Findings of the study will help in assessing user’s perceptions in terms of challenges, the level of awareness and understanding about autonomous vehicles. It will lead to shaping up the strategies to address the needs of users so that more viable and equally acceptable technological interventions can be made.@en

Children in developing countries are exposed to greater risk of fatality, serious injury, or disability, during road travel due to lack of awareness and absence of laws on children road safety measures such as the use of child restraints in vehicles. In most of the developing countries, it is not required by law, to use child car seats and therefore are rarely used. Research studies have been repeatedly showing significant efficacy of child car seats, if properly used, in preventing serious injuries and fatalities in young children during road accidents, due to restraining the children occupants against the ejection from the vehicle. Like many other developing countries, there is currently no legislation, in Pakistan, mandating the use of child car seats. Children exposure to traffic and risk of being involved in a traffic accident have been greatly increased in the country, over the past few years, due to increased number of vehicles, vehicle fleet, and trend of pre-schools and day care facilities. However, the awareness of parents regarding importance of safely traveling with infants and young children has not increased. Qualified and affluent parents have also been observed showing negligence in using the car child seats for their children. In this context, the objectives of this study were to investigate the level of awareness and usage of child car seats in Pakistan as well as to explore the need and interventions for conducting effective awareness campaigns or educational programs for parents in the country. Total 214 vehicles with children occupants and 385 children were observed at several schools, day-care centers, and pediatric departments in hospitals within 3 cities of Pakistan.@en