A recent survey by AAA indicates that while trust in self-driving vehicles has increased slightly, most U.S. drivers remain skeptical. The survey found that 13% of drivers are now willing to ride in an autonomous vehicle, up from 9% last year. However, 60% still report concerns about the technology, reflecting continued apprehension.
Interest in fully autonomous vehicles has declined, with only 13% of drivers prioritizing their development, down from 18% in 2022. Instead, 78% of respondents expressed a preference for improvements to existing vehicle safety systems, emphasizing features such as Automatic Emergency Braking and Lane Keeping Assistance.
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The survey also examined attitudes toward Robotaxis, self-driving ride-sharing vehicles that operate in select U.S. cities. While 74% of drivers are aware of them, 53% stated they would not choose to ride in one. Younger demographics, including Millennials and Generation X, were more open to the technology compared to Baby Boomers, though skepticism remains widespread.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) continue to garner strong support, with 64% of drivers stating they would want Automatic Emergency Braking in their next vehicle. AAA emphasizes the importance of clear naming and reliable performance for these features to maintain consumer confidence.
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The organization continues to work with industry leaders to enhance vehicle safety and educate drivers on emerging technologies. Recent research from AAA has highlighted improvements in ADAS performance, particularly in Automatic Emergency Braking at lower speeds.