A convincing majority of Individuals stay “afraid” to trip in self-driving vehicles, in response to a survey launched at this time by AAA.
A January survey of 1,095 individuals discovered that 61 % don’t belief self-driving autos (that survey query didn’t differentiate between semi-autonomous automobiles, like some Tesla fashions, and absolutely autonomous automobiles, like Waymo robotaxis). Conversely, 13 % belief self-driving autos and 26 % are uncertain of their security.
Robot, take the wheel: What you need to know about autonomous vehicles rolling out across the U.S.
Whereas the share of those that stay terrified of self-driving autos dropped from final yr’s findings, which was 66 %, 2025’s outcomes symbolize a 7 % improve in these afraid of utilizing the know-how from when AAA’s first self-driving survey was carried out in 2021.
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AAA additionally queried its panel particularly on robotaxis, discovering that 74 % knew that self-driving rideshare automobiles had been available in certain cities, but 53 % mentioned they might not trip in a single. Whereas Millennial and Era X drivers had been extra receptive to robotaxis than Child Boomers, majorities of the youthful generations nonetheless mentioned they wouldn’t trip in such a car.
The event of self-driving autos was not a precedence for respondents; extra individuals wished investments in car security techniques moderately than increasing entry to autonomous autos. In response to AAA’s survey, the general public’s curiosity in self-driving autos has decreased from 18 % in 2022 to 13 % this yr.
“Most drivers need automakers to concentrate on superior security know-how,” Greg Brannon, the automotive engineering director at AAA, mentioned in an announcement. “Although opinions on absolutely self-driving automobiles range broadly, its evident that at this time’s drivers worth options that improve their security.”
Whereas drivers stay skeptical of autonomous autos, many expressed a need for self-driving know-how like computerized emergency braking, reverse computerized emergency braking, and lane keeping assistance. In its announcement on the survey outcomes, AAA reiterated its call for less confusing naming of the aforementioned autonomous know-how.
