Americans are becoming increasingly fearful of automated vehicles, according to a survey conducted by the American Automobile Association (AAA). The survey showed that 68% of respondents said they were afraid to ride in such vehicles, up from 55% the previous year. This is likely due to the high-profile crashes involving driver-assist technology and autonomous vehicles. These incidents have included a cyclist being injured in San Francisco, another individual being taken to the hospital in Texas, and a fatal crash in California involving a Tesla.
The survey also revealed that there is some misunderstanding of driver-assist technology, with 10% of drivers thinking they can purchase vehicles that can drive themselves while the driver is asleep, and 22% believing that names like Tesla’s “Autopilot” and Nissan’s “ProPILOT” describe features that allow the car to drive itself without any human supervision. Despite these fears and misconceptions, most respondents said they would “definitely” or “probably” want driver-assist technology such as automatic braking and blind-spot warning in their next car purchases.
The survey results demonstrate the need for more education and transparency surrounding automated vehicle technology. Automakers should be clear about the capabilities of their driver-assist systems and ensure that drivers understand the limitations of the technology. It is also important for companies to be transparent about any accidents involving their vehicles, as this can help build trust with consumers.
The increasing fear of automated vehicles is concerning, as such technology has the potential to improve safety on the roads and reduce the number of traffic fatalities. In order to reach this goal, it is essential that automakers provide clear information about the capabilities of their driver-assist systems and be transparent about any accidents that may occur. This will help build consumer trust and ensure that automated vehicles are used safely.
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