New Survey Finds that 75% of U.S. Drivers Are Excited about Driverless Cars

Date: Oct. 17, 2016

We have to admit that we are developing a slight case of whiplash from watching recent surveys of opinions about autonomous cars. Some surveys report that very few drivers are attracted to self-driving cars, while others report just the opposite. Perhaps opinions are varied because drivers don’t yet understand what self-driving cars really are and what they can do.

One recent survey conducted by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) adds still more insight into consumer attitudes. The study, Self-Driving Vehicles: Consumer Sentiments, resulted from a survey of 2,001 U.S. adults age 18+ that CTA conducted in July, 2016.

The Results, Please

Here’s what the respondents had to say:

  • 70% have a strong interest in taking a test drive in a self-driving car.
  • 62% are interested in replacing their current vehicles with others that are completely self-driving.
  • 82% believe that self-driving cars will reduce accidents caused by aggressive driving or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • 80% think that self-driving cars will result in savings on car insurance costs.
  • 79% believe that self-driving cars will reduce by up to 90% the number of accidents and injuries on U.S. roads.
  • 79% think that autonomous cars will offer new mobility options for people with disabilities.

Is the Wave of Opinion Changing?

“Our study confirms enthusiasm for self-driving cars is certainly growing – consumers want to see for themselves just what these driverless innovations have to offer,” says Brian Markwalter, senior vice president, research and standards at CTA. “And the driver-assistance features already on the market may be sparking the excitement, as more drivers experience the safety and convenience these new features provide.”

To Explore Further . . .

If you’d like to learn more about the future of driverless cars, plan to attend our upcoming Driverless Cities Summit, to be held from October 26-28 in San Mateo, California.  The Summit will highlight the latest activities of regulators, modern designs for smart city planning, cutting-edge tech and applications for connectivity and paradigms for allocating funding.