1. Would you be willing to fully relinquish control of your car to a computer in an urban environment?
No: 55%
Yes: 37%
Don’t know: 8%
While many PE readers see a great deal of promise in autonomous vehicles, from less congestion on the roads to increased safety, there is still a lot of distrust of the technology. Losing the recreational elements of driving would be considered a great loss. The resounding opinion is that more safety tests must be conducted, particularly in light of the fatal Tesla accident last June.
2. Can you foresee a time when you would relinquish car controls to travel in an automated ‘platoon’ on a motorway?
Yes: 71%
No: 24%
Don’t know: 5%
Major manufacturers are moving into the realm of autonomous vehicles. In January, Nissan announced that it will begin driver-less trials in London this month. However, it appears that the idea of autonomous platoons is a step too far for many drivers. Concerns were also expressed about the fact that driving-related jobs could be negatively impacted.
3. Does your current car feature advanced driver assistance systems, such as automatic braking, adaptive cruise control or automatic parking?
No: 74%
Yes: 26%
Most modern vehicles now have some form of advanced driver assistance system. Manufacturers see this as a safe way to introduce autonomous technology onto the roads and build up a safety case. It also normalises the technology for drivers. However, not all drivers welcome the change and find the systems distracting, or fear they will not work properly.
4. Do you think that autonomous vehicles will make road transport safer?
Yes: 60%
No: 21%
Don’t know: 19%
Public concerns about the safety of autonomous vehicles could hold back progress with the technology. However, a report by the IMechE in early 2016 said that widespread adoption of autonomous vehicles could prevent up to 95% of all traffic accidents. A great body of evidence will be needed before the public trusts the technology. Concerns raised by PE readers focus on whether autonomous vehicles will be capable of safely operating around cyclists and pedestrians. Suggestions include having lanes used solely by autonomous vehicles.
5. Do you think car manufacturers should be liable for all accidents when cars are operating in a fully autonomous mode?
Yes: 57%
No:27%
Don’t know: 16%
Most readers think that car manufacturers should be considered liable for any accident that occurs when operating a driverless vehicle. The perception is that an accident would be the result of a technical failure owing to an oversight by the company. The issue of liability is still a murky one, however, and individuals could be held liable for accidents if vehicle maintenance were to be neglected.
6. Would you pay up to £5,000 extra on a new car for it to include fully autonomous features?
No: 79%
Yes: 12%
Don’t know: 9%
Drivers have accepted the generally low extra costs associated with driver assistance systems on modern vehicles. They are valued for the benefits they offer in removing the more mundane tasks associated with driving, such as parking. Asking drivers to fork out thousands of pounds for autonomous vehicles is more contentious. Many will not consider making the financial commitment until the technology has been proven.
7. Do you think autonomous vehicles will lead to significant job losses in areas such as taxis, public transport and delivery drivers?
No: 45%
Yes: 39%
Don’t know: 16%
There is always a fear of job losses with the introduction of any automated technology. Undoubtedly many are concerned that driver-less vehicles will create major job losses in the public transport sector. However, PE readers expressed a hope that at least some jobs would be able to weather the storm. Delivery drivers, for example, could still be required to ensure that goods are deposited at the correct addresses. Others felt that the only professions to benefit from autonomous vehicles would be lawyers and insurance brokers.
8. Would you ever buy an autonomous all-electric Apple iCar or Google Car instead of an established brand?
No: 52%
Yes: 25%
Don’t know: 23%
There is a race on among technology companies such as Apple and Google to corner the autonomous vehicle market. Google first began testing the technology in 2009, while Apple entered the market in late 2016. Despite a great deal of publicity about both companies’ forays into the driverless vehicle sector, it seems there is a general mistrust of their ability to deliver successful models over more established carmakers.
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