What Does the Public Think About Autonomous Cars? A Review of Surveys and Studies

Autonomous cars, or self-driving cars, have been in the news for quite some time now. The idea of cars driving themselves has fascinated people since the inception of the concept. However, with a new technology like this, people have questions and concerns. What are the benefits of autonomous cars? What are the risks? How do people feel about self-driving cars, overall?

To answer these questions, multiple surveys and studies have been conducted to gauge the public’s opinion on this new technology. In this blog post, we will review some of these surveys and studies to understand the public’s stance on autonomous cars.

According to a survey conducted by the American Automobile Association (AAA) in 2018, 63% of people expressed fear and concern about riding in a self-driving car. The study found that people were particularly concerned about the safety of autonomous cars, with 84% of respondents stating that they would rather be in control of their own vehicle.

Similarly, a study conducted by Ipsos in 2019 found that only 21% of respondents were comfortable with the idea of an autonomous car. The study found that people were more comfortable with the idea of autonomous cars being used in public transportation rather than being used as a personal vehicle.

However, the results of these surveys and studies may not be entirely accurate. Another study conducted by the University of Michigan found that people were more willing to use autonomous cars in specific scenarios, such as for long highway drives or in rush-hour traffic. The study found that overall, people were receptive to the idea of autonomous cars and could see the benefits of this technology.

Still, some people are skeptical about the benefits of autonomous cars and their potential impact on society. A survey conducted by Pew Research Center in 2018 found that 56% of respondents were concerned about the impact of autonomous cars on employment and job opportunities in the transportation industry.

In conclusion, the public’s stance on autonomous cars is not entirely clear-cut. While some people are enthusiastic about the potential benefits of this new technology, others are skeptical and concerned about its safety and impact on society. Surveys and studies show that people’s opinions on autonomous cars are heavily influenced by factors such as the safety of the technology, their own experience with driving, and the potential impact on employment opportunities. The adoption of self-driving cars is still a long way off, but with advancements in technology and more research, we may see a change in public opinion in the coming years.