Poll: Self-Driving Cars Could Curb Distracted Driving

Three in five U.S. drivers believe self-driving cars could eliminate distracted driving, according to an online Harris Poll commissioned by Erie Insurance Inc.

Proponents of autonomous driving systems say the technology could drastically reduce car crashes, 94% of which involve human error, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Maybe so, but Erie Insurance cautions consumers to recognize that fully automatic cars are still many years away. In the meantime, the semi-autonomous driving aids just beginning to seep into the marketplace can operate a car under some but not all conditions. More important, all such systems require that the driver be ready to take control at any time.

But what advantages do drivers foresee when completely automated cars become available? Half say they could travel farther without worrying about dozing off. One in five say they’d sleep while riding in an autonomous car.

One-third say they would text or check emails if their cars did the driving. The same proportion notes that an automated car could get them home safely if they were under the influence of alcohol or drugs. One in five riders would read. About 10% say they’d play video games or meditate.