AAA: Fear of Self-Driving Cars on the Rise

Drivers increasingly anxious as autonomous technology advances

FARGO, ND – Concerns about self-driving cars are significantly higher than last year, according to an annual automated vehicle survey just released by AAA.

The survey reveals 68 percent of drivers are afraid of riding in a selfdriving vehicle. That’s up from 55 percent in 2022, and the largest annual increase since 2020.

“We did not expect such a dramatic shift in consumer concerns from previous years,” said Gene LaDouc- er, regional director of pub- lic affairs for AAA-The Auto Club Group. “Though it isn’t entirely surprising, given the number of high- profile crashes that have recently occurred from overreliance on current vehicle technologies.”

Even with advancements made in recent years, these findings suggest the need to dispel confusion around automated vehicles. AAA’s survey found that nearly one in ten drivers believe they can buy a vehicle that drives itself while they sleep. That is not true.

While this perception could stem from social media videos of drivers apparently misusing driv- er assistance technology, our survey shows that the names manufacturers have given their vehicle systems are confusing consumers. AAA found that 22 percent of Americans expect driver support systems, with names like Autopilot, ProPILOT, or Pilot Assist, to have the ability to drive the car by itself without any supervision, indicating a gap in consumer understanding.

“Most new vehicles are equipped with some level of advanced driver assistance technology, which can enhance the safety of motorists if used properly,” LaDoucer continued. “However, it’s important to clarify that there are cur- rently no vehicles avail- able for purchase that allow someone to fully disengage from the task of driving.”

Consumers are not entirely opposed to advanced vehicle technology. In fact, six in ten U.S. drivers would “definitely” or “probably” want these systems in their next car purchase.

• Examples of ADAS include blind spot warning, adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. Check out AAA’s "Clearing the Confusion", which provides naming and descriptions of ADAS in a consistent, easy-to-understand manner.

• Active driving assistance (ADA) combines the tasks of braking, accelerating, and steering through a combined use of adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assistance. ADA is classified as Level 2 automation - the highest level of vehicle automation available for purchase by the public. This technology is not meant to replace the driver. Recent AAA research has found inconsistencies with ADA performance, reinforcing the need for a driver to remain fully engaged.

• Currently unavailable for purchase by consumers are vehicles capable of operating without human

involvement. These vehicles are classified as Level 5 automation as defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers.

“AAA seeks to partner with automakers to create greater consistency across the industry,” said Greg Brannon, director of automotive research for AAA. “Together, we can help consumers understand the type of technology their vehicle has along with how, when and where to use these systems, which will ultimately build trust in the vehicles of the future.”