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Kara Hitchens
Manager, Public and Government Affairs, OH
O: (937) 224-2817
C: (937) 558-8427
khitchens@aaa-alliedgroup.com

DAYTON, OH — A year after multiple, high-profile automated vehicle incidents, American attitudes toward fully self-driving cars have not rebounded. AAA’s annual automated vehicle survey found that 71 percent of people are afraid to ride in completely self-driving vehicles—indicating overall sentiment has not yet returned to what it was prior to these incidents (63 percent fearful).

The key to helping consumers feel more comfortable with fully self-driving vehicles likely lies in bridging the gap between perception of automated vehicle technology and the reality of how it actually works in today’s cars, according to AAA.

“Automated vehicle technology is evolving on a very public stage and, as a result, it is affecting how consumers feel about it,” said Kara Hitchens, AAA Senior Specialist. “Broadening exposure to partially or fully automated vehicle technology will help remove some of the mystery for consumers and open the door to greater acceptance.”

Impact of Vehicle Technologies
Experience seems to play a key role in how drivers feel about automated vehicle technology.

Many cars on the road today are equipped with technologies like lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking and self-parking. Known as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), these features are considered the building blocks for fully self-driving vehicles. On average, drivers who have one of these four ADAS technologies are about 68 percent more likely to trust these features than drivers who don’t have them.

Even more promising, AAA found that Americans are receptive to the idea of automated vehicle technology in more limited applications. About half (53 percent) are comfortable with low-speed, short distance forms of transportation like people movers found at airports or theme parks, while 44 percent are comfortable with fully self-driving vehicles for delivery of food or packages. However, once the passengers become more personal—in particular, transporting their loved ones—only one-in-five remain comfortable.

“Despite fears still running high, AAA’s study also shows that Americans are willing to take baby steps toward incorporating this type of technology into their lives,” continued Hitchens. “Hands-on exposure in more controlled, low-risk environments coupled with stronger education will play a key role in easing fears about self-driving cars.”

Self-driving Shuttle
Recently, AAA Northern California, Nevada & Utah piloted the first and largest self-driving shuttle for the public to operate in live traffic, in an effort to give more people the opportunity to gain real-world experience with automated vehicle transportation. The pilot was done in partnership with the city of Las Vegas, Keolis North America and the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC).

The self-driving shuttle was the first in the country to be fully integrated with smart city infrastructure and operate on open, public roads. Participants had the voluntary opportunity to take a survey post-ride regarding what impact their personal experience with the shuttle had on their perception of self-driving vehicles. Of those who responded, many reported their sentiment improved following their shuttle ride experience.

Perception of Timeline May Be Optimistic
Currently, more than half of Americans (55 percent) think that by 2029, most cars will have the ability to drive themselves. However, this timeline may be overly optimistic given the number of vehicles already on the road today.

Those who are skeptical that fully self-driving cars will arrive that soon cite reasons such as lack of trust, not wanting to give up driving, the technology won’t be ready and that road conditions will not be good enough to support the technology.

While experts agree that a fully self-driving fleet is still decades away, it is likely that more highly automated vehicles will be on the roads in the coming years. The more drivers understand both the benefits and limitations of the technology currently available, the more prepared and receptive they will be for the experience of riding in a fully automated vehicle when the time comes, according to AAA.

To help educate consumers on the effectiveness of emerging vehicle technologies, AAA is committed to conducting ongoing, unbiased testing of automated vehicle technologies as well as researching how related emerging technologies can help reduce or prevent crashes. Previous research includes ADAS technology naming, testing of driver support systems and the annual automated vehicle survey (2016, 2017, January 2018 and April 2018).

Research 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 percent at the 95 percent confidence level. Smaller subgroups will have larger error margins.

To learn more about autonomous vehicle technology, visit the AAA Exchange website and AAA Mid-Atlantic Driver-less Cars website.  

 

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AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to 58 million members nationwide and more than three million members in Ohio.  AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years.  AAA is a non-stock, non-profit corporation working on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (AAA.com/mobile) for iPhone, iPad and Android.  For more information, visit www.AAA.com.

 

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TEDx Wilmington Salon

Who's in the Driver's Seat? The Transformation of Transportation

On Tuesday, October 17, 2017, AAA and TEDx Wilmington held the first TEDx Salon dedicated to ideas worth spreading in transportation.

This event had:

  • 12 live talks given by 13 speakers
  • 368 people in attendance at the live event
  • More than 7,500 viewed the event online through Livestream, viewing events, and on the AAA Associate network
  • Online viewers came from all 50 states and approximately 30 countries around the world

View a slideshow from the event

This TEDx WilmingtonSalon was organized in partnership with AAA

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