Drivers Still Want Better Safety Tech Over AVs: Study

Back in 2023, AAA’s annual automated vehicle survey found that while many Americans are interested in semi-autonomous driving features, most are growing even more leery of the idea of full self-driving cars. In fact, the percentage of respondents who indicated that they are “scared” of fully autonomous vehicles rose from 55 percent to 68 percent year over year, in spite of automaker’s efforts to advance this technology. Now, the latest version of that same study has found much of the same, in that drivers still prefer better safety tech versus autonomous vehicles (AVs).

In the latest version of this particular study, AAA polled 1,095 U.S.-based drivers and found that more would feel safe riding in a fully-autonomous vehicle – 13 percent compared to nine percent in 2024 – but 61 percent of respondents are still admittedly “afraid” to do so, while 26 percent are unsure. A total of 74 percent of drivers were aware of Robotaxis, yet 53 percent said they would not choose to ride in one, too. These numbers have improved compared to last year, but actually lag behind consumer sentiment in 2021 and 2022, interestingly enough.

At the same time, 78 percent of respondents cited improved safety tech as a priority over new features like autonomous driving. In fact, 64 percent of U.S. drivers would “definitely” or “probably” want Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) on their next vehicle, 62 percent would want Reverse Automatic Emergency Braking, and 59 percent covet Lane Keeping Assistance. While Ford offers those features in many of its new vehicles, it’s also pretty close to achieving Level 3 autonomous tech, too.

“Most drivers want automakers to focus on advanced safety technology,” said Greg Brannon, the automotive engineering director at AAA. “Though opinions on fully self-driving cars vary widely, it’s evident that today’s drivers value features that enhance their safety. We are committed to collaborating with industry leaders and automakers to prioritize the safety and performance of advanced vehicle technology. AAA’s research insights are helping to shape safety standards and educate drivers to safely and confidently use these technologies.”