Survey reveals lack of enthusiasm for driverless cars

A third of motorists fail to see any advantage of automated and driverless vehicles, according to a new study.

When asked about what benefits will be delivered, the second most popular response was ‘none’.

Motorists are three times as likely (44%) to be scared of autonomous vehicles due to the loss of personal control than likely to see the positive opportunities.

Researchers spoke with 2,000 motorists for Continental Tyres, as part of its Vision Zero - a commitment to reduce traffic fatalities worldwide.

The top views about driverless cars are that people are becoming too lazy and reliant on technology (37%), and there are too many risks associated with technology like being hacked (36%).

Mark Griffiths, safety expert at Continental Tyres, said: “Drivers have to contend with immediate real world issues like congestion, the cost of motoring and environmental impact, and in some instances technologies being developed now are not being identified as a solution for those issues – yet they absolutely are.

“Future advances will transform motoring and technology businesses like ours need to explain how present challenges will be reduced or eliminated – like congestion, costs and environmental impact.

“The message from motorists is clear – talk less about ‘tomorrow’s world’ and more about real world benefits.”

When asked what issues should be prioritised by automotive and technology companies, half of road users agreed it should be improved road safety.

This was followed by almost 50% of people saying more economical vehicles using existing and new fuels and 47% saying less traffic on the roads.