Americans Continue to Fear Self-Driving Cars, But Want Autonomous Tech

Three in five U.S. drivers want some automated driving systems in their next vehicle, but three-fourths say they would be afraid to ride in a fully autonomous vehicle, according to a new study by AAA. The results mirror those of a similar survey conducted last year.

A slight majority say sharing the road with a driverless car would make them feel less safe. About one-third of respondents indicate such a scenario wouldn’t make a difference. Only 10% say they would feel safer. More than 80% of women say they fear self-driving cars, while fewer than 70% of male respondents feel that way.

Among demographic groups, Baby Boomers are the most likely to feel afraid and less safe about self-driving cars. Millennials—people born between the early 1980s and early 2000s—are the most confident about such vehicles.

Younger drivers also want automated technologies the most. About 70% of Millennials crave such features, compared with 54% of Generation Xers and 51% of Baby Boomers.

While autonomous vehicles promise to be safer, more efficient and more convenient than conventionally operated vehicles, AAA recommends a gradual rollout of the technology. In addition to further technical advances, the insurance giant notes that consumer awareness and training also needs to be improved.