The UK public isn't ready for self-driving cars yet

The UK public wouldn't really feel comfortable driving alongside autonomous vehicles, a new study by Goodyear and the London School of Economics says. More than half (55 percent) of UK drivers feel that way, compared to 39 percent in 10 countries in Europe, also part of the survey. More than a quarter (28 percent) would, on the other hand, feel comfortable, similar to the rest of Europe (30 percent).

The main concern is with security, followed by issues of principle. More than four fifths (83 percent) of respondents fear "autonomous cars could malfunction". In other ten countries, 71 percent of respondents had the same fears. Almost two thirds (64 percent) think humans should be in control of their vehicles, and 78 percent believe the car should have a wheel.

"Our study explores how the road might evolve with the arrival of Autonomous Vehicles", says Carlos Cipollitti, director of the Goodyear Innovation Centre Luxembourg. "Enabling a 'social interaction' between human drivers and AVs will be a crucial part of this process. As an active contributor to the debates on road safety and innovation, Goodyear is exploring some of the key areas that are shaping the future of mobility. We hope that the insights generated by this research will help all relevant stakeholders to work together towards a successful introduction of AVs".

UK respondents are aware of the security advantages autonomous vehicles can bring, with 41 percent agreeing "most accidents are caused by human error, so autonomous vehicles would be safer". Less than a quarter (22 percent) disagrees.

Almost half (44 percent) believe machines would be better drivers, as they have no emotions, and 65 percent think machines don’t have the common sense to interact with human drivers. Ten percent disagree.

Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Future plc Publication. All rights reserved.

Photo Credit: RioPatuca/Shutterstock