More consumers are starting to warm to the idea of self-driving vehicles, but most still fear riding in one.
The majority (63%) of U.S. drivers are afraid to ride in a fully self-driving vehicle, a decrease from 78% a year ago, according to the annual AAA survey of 1,000 U.S. drivers.
There were some demographic differences.
Millennials were found to be the most trusting, with 49% afraid to ride in a self-driving vehicle, down from 73% a year ago, while the majority (68%) of baby boomers are afraid, down from 85% a year ago.
More women (73%) than men (52%) are likely to be afraid to ride in a self-driving vehicle.
“Americans are starting to feel more comfortable with the idea of self-driving vehicles,” stated Greg Brannon, AAA automotive engineering and industry relations director. “Compared to just a year ago, AAA found that 20 million more U.S. drivers would trust a self-driving vehicle to take them for a ride.”
Fewer than a third (28%) of drivers would trust a self-driving vehicle and 9% are unsure.
For sharing the road with self-driving vehicles, 37% said it makes no difference, 13% would feel safer and 4% are unsure.
Hello? Taking a ride in one is a long way from purchasing one, or using it is a primary taxi.
I think they don't have the guts to run this survey, "Would you purchase a self driving car?" And Let's add one caveat , THE PRICE TAG. Don't bother with taking that survey, Here's your answer. 99.5% won't buy one.
The first uses are expected to be in ride-sharing vehicles rather than individually purchased cars, Mark. Hence the AAA use of "vehicles" rather than "cars" in the actual survey.