Most Americans remain skeptical of a concept that just a few short years seemed an idea only in fiction, the driverless car. Though, increasing numbers are viewing the technology more and more warmly, this according to a new survey from YouGov. When compared to September 2023, more are “enthusiastic” about the autonomous vehicles, saying they would be willing to try one, are of the belief that they are safe, and want them in their cities. A growing number also believe that driverless cars will become more widespread and that when this happens, the number of people killed or injured in traffic accidents will decrease.
However, this does remain a minority viewpoint. Women and older Americans are still likely to view the technology with skepticism. People in large cities are excited about the tech, when compared to those living in suburban or rural areas who are less so. Positive attitudes on driverless cars have increased in the past year
35% of Americans say they are “very” or “somewhat” enthusiastic about the technology. 58% say they are “not very” or “not at all” enthusiastic. Half of adults under 45 say they are, but only 22% of 45 and older say the same. Men are nearly twice as likely to say they are excited for the technology as women, (41% vs 22%). Enthusiasm for the driverless car is more common among people in cities (44%) than those in suburban (30%) or rural areas (20%).
70% are very or somewhat worried about the use of driverless vehicles. Those 45 and older (79%) are more likely to be worried than those under 45 (60%). Women (75%) are more likely than men (66%) to say they are worried about driverless cars. And concern is more in rural areas (82%) compared to suburban (74%) and urban (63%).
Nearly half of Americans (49%) think drivers cars will definitely or probably become widespread on U.S. roads. 37% say definitely or probably will not become widespread. Younger adults, those under the age of 45, are more likely than those older than 45 (58% vs 41%) to believe driverless cars will become something common on the roads. MEn are merely likely than women to think they will be widespread (54% vs 44%). And those who reside in cities (54%) think they will eventually become prevalent, compared to suburban (47%) and rural residents (38%).
Just 3% of those polled say they have been a passenger in a driverless car. 37% say they would defiantly or probably be interested in being one. More, 52%, say they would definitely/probalby not be willing to try one. Those under 45 are more likey to be willing to try a driverless vehicle, 58% vs 52% 45 and older. Men, 49%, are more willing to try than women, 31%. Interest is up in cities (50%), versus suburban (35%) and rural residences (27%).
However, Americans are more likely to strongly or somewhat oppose driverless taxis in their city (54%) than they are to support it (32%). Those under 45 are almost twice as likely to support it, 44% vs 23% of those over 45. Men (40%) are more supportive than women (34%), And support is higher among those in cities (40%), than in suburbia (29%) and rural areas (24%).
Many say they would not feel safe around a driverless car. 65% say as a passenger they would feel very or somewhat unsafe. 61% say they would feel unsafe as a driver in their area if driverless cars were there. And 66% would feel unsafe as a pedestrian in a city where they operated.