U.S. Drivers are Still Weary of Self-Driving Vehicles

March 7, 2017

A new report from AAA revealed that while many U.S. drivers desire autonomous technologies in their new vehicle, the majority still feel uneasy about sharing the road with a self-driving car.

Auto safety experts have routinely praised innovative technologies, like self-driving capabilities, for the potential safety improvements that are projected to significantly reduce severe vehicle collisions.

AAA’s survey showed that most drivers do not share this optimism. Nearly three-quarters of U.S. drivers reported being afraid of riding in an autonomous vehicle, compared to only 10 percent who said they would feel safer sharing the road with driverless vehicles.

The study’s findings include:

percent of U.S. drivers feel less safe at the possibility of sharing the road with a driverless vehicle.

• 34 percent of those surveyed feel that driverless vehicles do not affect their concerns for safety.
• Women (58 percent) were more likely to feel safer than men (49 percent) of the prospect of self-driving vehicles.
• Women (85 percent) are also more likely to be afraid than men (69 percent) of riding in a self-driving vehicle.
• Most (59 percent) of U.S. drivers want autonomous vehicle technology in their next vehicle, while 25 percent do not and 16 percent are still unsure.
• Millennials (70 percent) are the generation that is most likely to want autonomous technologies, compared to Generation X (54 percent) and Baby Boomers (51 percent).
• The majority (78 percent) of Americans are afraid to ride in a self-driving vehicle.
• Compared to other generations, Baby Boomers (85 percent) are most likely to be afraid of driverless vehicle technology, while Generation X (75 percent) and Millennials (73 percent) share similar skepticism of the technology.

AAA has stated that it is committed to educating consumers about the significant value and potential that autonomous and self-driving technology provides for improving vehicle safety.

Previous tests with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, self-parking technology and lane keeping systems have shown high potential. However, the variation between vehicles concerns 81 percent of U.S. drivers who feel that all forms of automated vehicle technology should work similarly and consistently.

Part of auto safety advocates’ solution to increasing traffic fatalities is to equip more vehicles with advanced technology that enhances auto safety and decreases fatal auto accidents caused by human error.

With approximately 40,200 auto accident deaths in 2016, manufacturers and safety organizations are counting on new innovative technologies to counteract the deadly trend.

Although new technology aims to improve the safety our nation’s roads, human error remains a leading cause of auto accidents. If you have lost a loved one due to a negligent or reckless driver, our Phoenix auto accident attorneys can help. Our initial consultation is always free and we work on a contingency fee basis, so you do not have to pay us unless we recover damages for your claim.

Call 1-800-706-3000 if you have lost a loved one in a car accident.