Fear of self-driving cars persists says AAA

Two thirds of US drivers fear fully self-driving vehicles, according to a new AAA survey on autonomous vehicles.

In the survey, conducted in January, 66 percent of the 1,220 respondents expressed fear about the technology and 25 percent said they were uncertain. Fully self-driving vehicles are not yet available for purchase.

The survey also revealed high interest in semi-autonomous technologies such as Reverse Automatic Emergency Braking and Lane Keeping Assistance.

“There has been an increase in consumer fear over the past few years,” said Greg Brannon, the director of automotive engineering research for AAA.

“Given the numerous and well–publicized incidents involving current vehicle technologies – it’s not surprising that people are apprehensive about their safety.”

AAA’s survey also found that almost two-thirds – 65 percent – of US drivers would want Reverse Automatic Emergency Braking, 63 percent would want Automatic Emergency Braking and 62 percent would want Lane Keeping Assistance on their next vehicle.

For interest to remain high, the AAA said it was crucial to ensure consistency in the performance and naming of the systems.