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AAA – AMERICAN AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION

Background

In 2016, AAA began conducting its annual automated vehicle survey that examines consumer attitudes toward fully self-driving cars. Each year this survey has been expanded to gain a deeper understanding of driver opinion beyond the initial uncertainty surrounding fully self-driving vehicles.

This research is driven by a commitment to educate consumers on automated vehicle technologies and its impact on future mobility. AAA is dedicated to conducting ongoing, unbiased testing on these systems as they continue to evolve and new technology becomes available.

Key Findings

Seven in ten (71 percent) U.S. drivers would be afraid to ride in a fully self-driving vehicle, similar to levels of fear in April 2018 following highprofile incidents involving fatalities.

Consumers would be most comfortable with fully self-driving cars being used for low-speed, short distance transportation and for delivery services. Few would be comfortable with using fully self-driving vehicles to transport their children or a loved one.

• About half (53 percent) of U.S. drivers would be comfortable with fully self-driving vehicles being used for people mover systems found at airports and theme parks.
• About four in ten (44 percent) of U.S. drivers would be comfortable with using fully self-driving vehicles for delivery services of food or packages.
• Only 19 percent of U.S. drivers would be comfortable with the use of fully self-driving vehicles to transport their children or loved ones.

A slight majority of consumers think that 10 years from now most cars will have the ability to drive themselves.

• More than half (55 percent) of U.S. drivers think that by 2029, most cars will have the ability to drive themselves.

The most common reasons for doubting why cars will not have the ability to drive themselves 10 years from now is the belief that people won’t trust fully self-driving cars (53 percent) and won’t want to give up driving themselves (52 percent). This is followed by fully self-driving technology won’t be ready (34 percent) and road conditions will not be good enough (33 percent).

Over the course of the multi-year survey, feelings have remained mostly unchanged with nearly 3 in 4 Americans being afraid to ride in a fully self-driving car. But, attitudes have fluctuated over the years, likely impacted by the type of information shared with consumers, whether favorable or not.

Methodology

A telephone omnibus survey was conducted January 10-13, 2019. A total of 1,008 interviews were completed among adults, 18 years of age or older.

A dual-frame approach was used that combined landline and cell phone interviews to ensure that adults who only or primarily communicate via cell phones are included and properly represented. Survey responses are weighted by six variables (age, gender, geographic region, race/ethnicity, education, and landline vs. cell phone only) to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the total continental US population, 18 years of age and older.

The margin of error for the study is 4% at the 95% confidence level. Smaller subgroups will have larger error margins.

Ask the Expert

Greg Brannon
Director, Automotive Engineering

Why has Americans’ fear of self-driving vehicles remained mostly unchanged over the last few years?

It’s hard to say but it’s possible that the sustained level of fear is rooted in a heightened focus, whether good or bad, on incidents involving these types of vehicles. Also, it could simply be due to a fear of the unknown. AAA’s research has found that the more exposure drivers have to similar types of technology such as advanced driver assistance systems, comfort level improves.

How well does existing advanced vehicle technology work?

AAA extensively tests and evaluates emerging vehicle technology with the goal of educating drivers on the safety benefits, but also to understand the limits of these systems and raise awareness that they are not a substitute for an engaged driver. Most systems have strong safety benefits, but understanding clearly what type of technology a car has, along with how and when to use it, is critical.

Can any vehicle on the road today really drive itself? While there is testing taking place on U.S. roadways, the most advanced systems available to consumers today still require your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. As the technology evolves, it will be critical that all stakeholders commit to educating consumers on the safe use of the technology. This should include the use of consistent naming of the technologies to reduce confusion, and a clear understanding of what the systems are designed to do.

Download full version (PDF): Automated Vehicle Survey

About AAA
www.aaa.com
AAAA provides more than 59 million members with automotive, travel, insurance and financial services through its federation of 34 motor clubs and nearly 1,100 branch offices across North America. Since 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for safe mobility.

Tags: AAA, Automated Vehicles, Self Driving Cars

This entry was posted on Thursday, March 21st, 2019 at 11:42 am and is filed under Highway, Infra Views, Roads, Technology . You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.