Concerns about self-driving cars are significantly higher than last year, according to an annual automated vehicle survey just released by AAA.
The survey reveals 68% of drivers fear riding in a self-driving vehicle. That’s up from 55% in 2022, the largest annual increase since 2020.
“We did not expect such a dramatic shift in consumer concerns from previous years,” said Mark Jenkins, Public Relations Manager for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Though it isn’t entirely surprising, given the number of high-profile crashes that have recently occurred from over-reliance on current vehicle technologies.”
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Dispelling Confusion Around Automated Vehicles
Even with advancements made in recent years, these findings suggest the need to dispel confusion around automated vehicles. AAA’s survey found that nearly one in ten drivers believe they can buy a vehicle that drives itself while they sleep. That is not true.
While this perception could stem from social media videos of drivers apparently misusing driver assistance technology, our survey shows that the names manufacturers have given their vehicle systems confuse consumers.
AAA found that 22% of Americans expect driver support systems, with names like Autopilot, ProPILOT, or Pilot Assist, to be able to drive the car independently without supervision, indicating a gap in consumer understanding.
“Most new vehicles are equipped with some level of advanced driver assistance technology, which can enhance the safety of motorists if used properly,” Jenkins continued. “However, it’s important to clarify that there are currently no vehicles available for purchase that allow someone to fully disengage from the task of driving.”
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What is a fully self-driving vehicle?
- A vehicle capable of operating without human involvement. A human driver is not required to control the vehicle at any time or be present in the vehicle while moving. These vehicles are not available for purchase by consumers and are classified as Level 5 automation as defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers.
“AAA seeks to partner with automakers to create greater consistency across the industry,” said Greg Brannon, director of automotive research for AAA. “Together, we can help consumers understand the type of technology their vehicle has along with how, when and where to use these systems, which will ultimately build trust in the vehicles of the future.”
*AAA has conducted its annual Autonomous Vehicle (AV) Survey since 2016; data not comparable to years prior to 2021 due to change in methodology.
Methodology
The survey was conducted January 13-17, 2023, using a probability-based panel designed to be representative of the U.S. household population overall. The panel provides sample coverage of approximately 97% of the U.S. household population. Most surveys were completed online; consumers without Internet access were surveyed over the phone.
A total of 1,140 interviews were completed among U.S. adults, 18 years of age or older, of which 949 qualified for the study. The margin of error for the study overall is 4.3% at the 95% confidence level. Smaller subgroups have larger error margins.
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