With up to half a million new cars being registered in September, over 11m motorists do not want future car technology to prevent them from breaking the law – like speeding or illegally using a phone.
Revealing double standards, more than three in five drivers would be happy to see other road users have compulsory technology that prevents dangerous and illegal driving.
Researchers spoke with 2,000 UK motorists for Continental Tyres, the leading tyre and technology manufacturer, as part of its Vision Zero, a commitment to reduce traffic fatalities worldwide through driver education, premium tyres and automotive systems.
The study also revealed drivers believe that fewer road accidents and fatalities will be delivered by improving the actions of road users, rather than automotive advances – pointing to a lack of trust in technology.
Mark Griffiths, safety expert at Continental Tyres, said: “Our research found that motorists are yet to be convinced of the value of greater automation – like reduced congestion, improved road safety and cleaner motoring.
“As a safety focused brand, we recognise it is the responsibility of technology businesses, like Continental, to communicate the very positive benefits that can be delivered. Not doing this effectively is undermining people’s trust in automotive technology.”
In relation to an exciting and proven system, Autonomous Emergency Braking, nearly twice as many motorists do not trust the technology as do.
Irrespective of the real world safety benefits automotive systems can deliver, three quarters of those surveyed who said they have no trust in driving advances said it was because they feared it would not work or would break down.
Mark Griffiths continued: “Not only are motorists wary of new automotive systems, but nearly one in three said they will miss the experience of driving when cars are fully automated.
“The more that automotive and technology businesses can do to educate road users of the benefits to our everyday lives, and as they begin to experience new vehicle technology, the more people are likely to trust greater automation as they would traditional car features like seatbelts and tyres.”
According to the research, the top five views about automated driving are:
- It scares me – due to not being in control
- People are becoming too reliant on technology and are lazy
- There are too many risks associated with it – e.g. hacking
- I don’t like it – I’ll miss the experience of driving
- The benefits of it are exaggerated
