As autonomous technology advances, more and more companies are working on developing autonomous vehicles.
But while autonomous cars may be possible in the near future, that does not mean that Americans want them on the roads. A recent study by AAA reveals that the majority of Americans still do not trust self-driving vehicles.
The Study
According to AAA’s annual vehicle survey, 71 percent of people are afraid to ride in fully driverless vehicles. This is even though about 55 percent of Americans think that by 2029, most vehicles will have the ability to be driverless cars.
What has caused so many Americans to distrust this new technology? Public opinion has been affected by highly publicized self-driving car accidents.
Self-Driving Car Crashes
On March 18, 2018, a self-driving Uber struck and killed a woman in Arizona. The vehicle was in self-driving mode at the time of the accident. The victim, a 49-year-old woman, was crossing the street at the time she was struck. This crash was the first known fatal collision between a self-driving car and a pedestrian.
Additionally, in March 2018, a Tesla Model X caught fire and resulted in a fatality. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigated the crash and Tesla confirmed that Autopilot had been activated at the time of the crash.
What Can Be Done To Change Public Opinion?
AAA believes that the way to make human drivers feel more comfortable sharing the road with self-driving vehicles is to bridge the gap between perception of automated vehicle technology and the reality of how it actually functions.
“Automated vehicle technology is evolving on a very public stage and, as a result, it is affecting how consumers feel about it,” said Greg Brannon, AAA’s director of Automotive Engineering and Industry Relations. “Having the opportunity to interact with partially or fully automated vehicle technology will help remove some of the mystery for consumers and open the door for greater acceptance.”
Experienced Car Accident Attorneys
For a free legal consultation, call (702) 857-6000
Have you or a loved one been in a car accident involving a car that was in a semi-autonomous mode? If so, you should speak with an experienced car accident lawyer for legal advice. Contact Anthem Injury Lawyers today. We offer free consultations. Call us today at (702) 857-6000 to schedule a Free Initial Consultation.
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