TAMPA, Fla.–Self-driving cars may be the future, but in the present just one-in-10 drivers (12%) would trust riding in such a vehicle.
Even more Americans (28%) don’t know how they feel about the technology, according to a new study released by AAA.
“Consumers are stuck in neutral on the road to accepting self-driving cars,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “AAA believes people are much more likely to embrace this technology when they have the opportunity to build a greater understanding of how it works.”
Consumers told AAA they desire to see more information on key issues surrounding self-driving vehicles like safety and liability. Among the findings:
- Six in ten (57%) Americans say they would like to have a clear understanding of who will be legally responsible in the event of a crash with a self-driving vehicle
- Half (51%) are interested about laws to make sure self-driving cars are safe
- Half (49%) want to know how vulnerable they will be to hackers
“Consumers have made it clear what it will take to overcome their doubts – consistent and transparent information – which will help make them feel safer about the idea of riding in a self-driving car,” continued Jenkins.
Feeling Safer
When drivers were asked what might make them feel safer in a self-driving vehicle, respondents said:
- Seven in ten (72%) - If they had the ability to take over control if something goes wrong
- A similar proportion (69%) - If there was a human backup driver
- Half (47%) - Knowing the self-driving car has passed rigorous testing and inspections
- Four in ten (42%) - Seeing or experiencing a demonstration prior to getting into a self-driving car
“Knowing how people truly feel about self-driving cars will help the industry identify the necessary steps to move consumers towards greater acceptance,” Jenkins said.