US drivers “fearful” over driverless cars

Drivers in the US want to have autonomous technologies in their next vehicle but most are reluctant to consider adopting a fully self-driving car, according to new research.

The results of the new report from AAA, the North American motoring and leisure travel organization, suggest that automakers need to plan for a gradual introduction of autonomous technology.

The survey found 75% of US drivers would feel afraid to ride in a self-driving car and only 10% say they would feel safer sharing the roads with driverless vehicles.

However, the majority (59%) are keen to have autonomous features in their next vehicle.

Greg Brannon, AAA’s director of automotive engineering and industry relations, said: “A great race towards autonomy is underway and companies are vying to introduce the first driverless cars to our roadways.

“However, while US drivers are eager to buy vehicles equipped with autonomous technology, they continue to fear a fully self-driving vehicle.”

AAA’s research suggested women would feel less safe than men in a self-driving car.

The research also found younger people were more eager to have self-driving technology in their cars.

System variations

The organization also highlighted concerns about potential variations in the way in which existing autonomous technology works, based on current implementations of options such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, self-parking or lane keeping systems.

However, the potential life-saving benefits of the technology can’t be ignored, according to Jill Ingrassia, AAA’s managing director of government relations and traffic safety.
She said: “Every year, we lose approximately 35,000 people on America’s roadways, most as a result of human error.

“Connected and automated vehicle technologies have the potential to dramatically reduce this number, and automakers, government agencies and safety organizations like AAA must continue working together to ensure that these new vehicles are safely tested and deployed.”