BOISE – Most Americans say that riding in a vehicle without the traditional pedals and steering wheel sounds scary, but perceptions improved slightly this year.
According to AAA’s latest survey on autonomous vehicles (AVs), six in ten Americans say they would be afraid to ride in a truly ‘self-driving’ car. However, 13% said that they would trust the technology – up from 9% a year ago.
“Most people have never seen a fully autonomous vehicle. As the technology is de-mystified through personal experience, some of the fears may quickly subside,” says AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “I went for a ride in an AV a few years ago in Arizona, but I’d also had the benefit of learning how the system uses radar, lidar, and cameras to ‘see’ the road. My trip was exciting, but by the end, it honestly started to feel like any other time I’ve been a passenger.”
AAA also asked survey respondents about robotaxis – the self-driving vehicles that function like a taxi or ride-share and that currently operate in several major cities.
74% of drivers reported being aware of robotaxis, with 53% saying they would not choose to ride in one. There were also generational differences – Millennial and Gen X drivers were more likely to consider riding in a self-driving car than Baby Boomers.
While 87% of drivers remain skeptical about AVs, there is strong support for an incremental approach to rolling out the new technology, with many interested in automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control in their next vehicle purchase:
A call to action
AAA has completed an autonomous vehicle survey every year since 2016, sharing the results with stakeholders to identify and, where possible, resolve concerns.
AAA encourages continued transparency in how advanced vehicle technology will perform, including possible use cases and limitations. Research released by AAA in October 2024 showed significant AEB advancements, particularly at speeds up to 35 MPH.
“As with any vehicle purchase, please do your homework. Research the vehicle online and be ready to ask a salesperson how the advanced technology works before you drive a car off the lot,” Conde said. “Down the road, autonomous vehicles may take center stage. But with the rare exception of some robotaxis in a handful of cities, we still need very engaged human drivers right now.”
Other AAA resources
- Clearing the Confusion: Provides naming and descriptions of ADAS in a consistent, easy-to-understand manner.