Americans are becoming more willing to ride in self-driving cars
TAMPA, Fla. (FOX 35 WOFL) - The Auto Club Group, AAA, says that Americans are more willing to ride in self-driving cars than they were last year.
The company says that a new survey of theirs revealed that only 63% of motorists are afraid to ride in self-driving cars, which is a significant decrease from 78% in early 2017.
AAA went on to say that millennials and male drivers are the most willing to purchase a vehicle with semi-autonomous features, however, over half reported there is still a fear associated with riding in a fully autonomous vehicle.
"Consumers should educate themselves concerning new car technology to fully understand the pros and cons," said Montrae Waiters, AAA spokeswoman, The Auto Club Group. "Self-driving and semi-autonomous vehicles present drivers with more options than ever, and as Americans get more comfortable with their features, safety should always be top of mind."
It is interesting to note that AAA says that only 13% of U.S. drivers report that they would feel safer sharing the road with self-driving vehicles, while 46% would actually feel less safe. The survey also showed that women were more likely than men to be afraid to ride in a self-driving vehicle and that they were also more likely to feel less safe sharing the road with a self-driving car.
Millennials were found to be the most trusting of self-driving vehicles, according to AAA. Only 49% (down from 73%) say that they would be afraid to ride in a self-driving car. While the majority of baby boomers still report being afraid to ride in a self-driving car, this generation is significantly more comfortable with the idea than they were a year ago.
AAA's survey also offered insights into why motorists are so hesitant to purchase advanced vehicle technology. They say that most drivers trust their driving skills more than the technology, ven though research shows that more than 90% of crashes involve human error. Men, in particular, are confident in their driving abilities with 8 in 10 believing their driving skills are better than average.
"Most drivers still enjoy the experience of getting behind the wheel of their own vehicle," continued Waiters. "Therefore, the safety features in a semi-autonomous vehicle might be more appealing to a driver who is not quite ready to give up the wheel."
Self-driving cars are a major topic among motorists and despite it being a 'futuristic concept' for most, they are on the rise. New vehicle technology is even shaping the future of public transportation.