Are U.S. drivers ready for fully self-driving cars?

American consumers may not be as willing to trust fully self-driving cars as some may have thought they would be.

Over the past few years, drivers in Connecticut have been hearing more and more about developments in autonomous vehicle technology. No longer is the thought of a fully self-driving car just something abstract as these vehicles are taking to the street in many cities around the nation. But, as technology companies and traditional car manufacturers alike continue their efforts to get more autonomous vehicles in the market, consumers may well be showing more reluctance to the idea.

Research indicates consumer hesitation

A survey conducted by Deloitte reviewed the perceptions and feelings about autonomous vehicles of more than 22,000 consumers not just in the United States but in other countries as well. The results may be surprising to some as almost three out of four people polled suggested they did not currently believe fully self-driving vehicles were totally safe. Given that improved safety is touted as a primary benefit of these vehicles, these results are well worth noting.

The survey did leave some hope for the makers of these self-driving vehicle. Almost 70 percent of respondents indicated they would change their mind about these cars if evidence could be presented to support the safety of them.

Debate over who should make self-driving vehicles

It is not just traditional car makers that are pushing the development and manufacturing of self-driving cars but technology businesses as well. When looking at whether or not consumers care who makes such vehicles, the research results may again be surprising to some.

Given that technology is at the heart and soul of an autonomous vehicle, some may have assumed that it is technology companies that consumers would trust more. However, that was not the case. It was auto makers who more consumers said they would prefer to see bring these vehicles to market. As many as half of respondents indicated this preference while only 20 percent voiced a preference for technology businesses to do so.

Individual safety features of interest to more consumers

While consumers may as a whole not yet be ready to embrace fully self-driving cars, they do show a great interest in and willingness to pay for traditional vehicles with some self-driving features included. According to the 2017 J.D. Power and Associates Tech Choice Study, the features that drivers were most interested in were those that directly helped support improved safety. Examples include cameras in mirrors and headlights that adjust automatically.

Consumer help after an accident

Regardless of the type of vehicles involved, Connecticut residents who have been involved in an accident deserve help and compensation. Talking to an attorney is always a wise thing after any crash as an experienced professional may offer insights and options not otherwise considered.