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Cruising alongside autonomous vehicles (AVs) might one day be the norm, but the fear and anxiety of sharing the road with them are a reality today.
In an annual survey on automated vehicle technology conducted by AAA automotive research, individuals were asked how they feel about AVs. The data revealed that 68% of people are afraid of AVs, representing a sharp increase from the 55% who responded the same way in 2022.
Regarding the 13% spike in AV apprehension, Greg Brannon, director of AAA automotive research, says the survey responses could correlate with the number of high-profile crashes involving over-reliance on existing vehicle technologies.
There may also be confusion about what an autonomous vehicle actually does. The survey showed that one in 10 people believe that AVs can drive 100% independently, even allowing a driver to take a nap while on the road. In reality, this level of automation (which is technically designated as Level 5 automation by the Society of Automotive Engineers, or SAE) is currently unavailable to consumers.
There is also misunderstanding about the differences between AVs and advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) technologies.
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DAS describes any high-tech tool used by a vehicle to minimize human error and promote road safety. Some of the ADAS technologies available include:
Apprehensive drivers might take comfort in the fact that these ADAS features are becoming standard with most new vehicles. While they’re not designed to take the place of a driver, ADAS technology may help us drive safer and smarter.
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