Americans are less wary of self-driving cars

While many people still have reservations about riding in fully autonomous vehicles, a recent AAA survey found that American motorists are becoming more trusting of the technology.

Results showed that 63 percent of U.S. drivers say they are “afraid” to ride in a self-driving car, down from 78 percent in early 2017. Millennial and male drivers are more likely to embrace the new technology, with only half reporting they would feel afraid to ride in a fully autonomous vehicle.

Increasing exposure to semi-autonomous features, now commonly seen in TV commercials and already available in many new vehicles, may have helped diminish fears of driverless vehicles to some extent.

“In 2018, Americans are beginning to get more comfortable with autonomous vehicles,” AAA Automotive Engineering and Industry Relations Director Greg Brannon said. “Compared with just a year ago, AAA found that 20 million more U.S. drivers would trust a self-driving car to take them for a ride.”

Regardless of the increase in acceptance, many U.S. drivers remain hesitant about the technology. Consumers may overestimate their own driving abilities and be reluctant to relinquish control of their vehicles. AAA found that 73 percent of U.S. drivers consider themselves better than average behind the wheel, despite the fact that more than 90 percent of crashes are the result of human error.

“Education, exposure and experience will likely ease consumer fears as we steer toward a more automated future,” Brannon said. “AAA urges automakers to prioritize consumer education to ensure that American drivers continue to be informed, prepared and comfortable with this shift in mobility.”