Skepticism About Self-Driving Cars  

The American Automobile Association (AAA) conducted a study recently, which found that 73 percent of drivers in this country are afraid to ride in an autonomous vehicle. This decline in trust is likely a result of several highly publicized accidents involving self-driving cars, which has made consumers question the safety of this technology. This is a major issue for manufacturers of self-driving cars, as the success of these vehicles depends largely on consumer acceptance.

AAA conducted a survey of 1,014 licensed drivers in the United States, in an effort to measure consumers’ trust in self-driving vehicles. What they found was that nearly three quarters of American drivers said that they are afraid to ride in a vehicle that was fully autonomous. In addition, close to two-thirds of consumers said that they would feel less safe if they knew that they were sharing the road with a self-driving car, particularly if they were walking or riding a bike in the vicinity of the vehicle.

Consumer Distrust by Population

Surprisingly, millennials have lost trust in autonomous vehicles more quickly than other age groups, increasing from 49 percent to 63 percent in only the past six months. However, according to the study, Baby Boomers and Generation X drivers are more likely to feel less safe than millennials. In addition, women are more likely to be afraid to drive in an autonomous vehicle than men.

Car manufacturers are facing an uphill battle when it comes to reassuring consumers about the safety of self-driving cars. Earlier this year, an Arizona resident was fatally injured by an autonomous vehicle operated by an Uber driver. The woman was walking her bicycle across the street and was struck by the vehicle. Authorities discovered that the Uber driver had been looking down and did not see the victim in enough time to react and prevent the tragic wreck.

The main question, according to the Chief Executive of Toyota North America, is whether the government is willing to risk the lives of a few to save many. As with any new technology, there are going to be mistakes, he said. However, self-driving cars have the potential to prevent thousands of injuries and fatalities from car accidents.

According to the Director of Automotive Engineering and Industry Relations at AAA, the survey shows that even one negative incident involving a self-driving vehicle is going to have an impact on consumer trust.

If consumers are afraid of these vehicles, or accidents continue to occur that shake their trust, widespread acceptance will be unlikely.

Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Victims of Self-Driving Car Accidents 

If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a car accident involving a self-driving vehicle, you are urged to contact the Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton at your earliest convenience. We will determine who is responsible for causing the accident and seek the maximum financial compensation for your injuries. Our skilled and experienced team is committed to protecting your rights at all times. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent car accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.