A recent study by AAA reveals that Americans continue to harbor significant distrust toward self-driving cars, indicating a sustained skepticism towards autonomous vehicles.
This sentiment, reflected in the findings of the 2024 survey, mirrors that of the previous year, suggesting a persistent unease among consumers regarding this technology.
The study, primarily conducted online with the provision of phone interviews for respondents lacking internet access, showed consistent results, with 66% expressing outright fear of autonomous vehicles, while 25% remained uncertain.
Merely 9% indicated trust in the technology. While there was a slight decrease in the percentage of respondents expressing fear, many shifted to the “unsure” category, indicating ongoing apprehension.
The attitudes towards self-driving cars underwent a notable shift in 2022 following a high-profile incident where a Tesla driver, relying on the “Full Self-Driving” feature, caused a major pileup during the Thanksgiving holiday rush in San Francisco.
Such incidents have undoubtedly influenced public perception of autonomous technology. Nevertheless, AAA advises automakers against abandoning safety features, emphasizing that drivers still desire advanced technology, albeit without autonomous capabilities.
Many popular safety features stemming from advancements in autonomous driving offer safety benefits independent of full autonomy.
Respondents expressed interest in features like reverse automatic emergency braking (65%), automatic emergency braking (63%), and lane-keeping assistance (62%) for their next vehicles, despite their inconsistent performance records.
AAA underscores the importance of transparent marketing and setting realistic expectations regarding the capabilities and limitations of automotive technology. Alarmingly, a significant portion of surveyed drivers were unsure or misinformed, believing they could purchase a car capable of driving autonomously while they sleep.
In order to address consumer concerns, AAA advocates for the performance of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) to align with safe and reasonable scenarios, enhancing driver awareness rather than fostering reliance on automated systems.
Collaboration between AAA and automakers is proposed to establish consistency in system naming and performance standards across the industry, facilitating consumer understanding of vehicle technology and promoting responsible usage.
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