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A recent survey by AAA reveals that while trust in self-driving vehicles has slightly increased, with 13% of U.S. drivers now willing to ride in them compared to 9% last year, the majority remain apprehensive. Six out of ten drivers still report fear towards autonomous vehicles, and there’s a clear preference for enhancing existing vehicle safety systems over developing self-driving technology. Interest in self-driving cars has also waned, dropping from 18% in 2022 to 13% this year.
Key Highlights:
- 78% of drivers prioritize advancements in safety systems.
- Only 13% consider self-driving vehicle development a priority, down from 18% in 2022.
- 74% of drivers are aware of Robotaxis, but 53% would not choose to ride in one.
- Interest in ADAS features remains high, with 64% wanting Automatic Emergency Braking on their next vehicle.
Despite a slight uptick in trust, fear of self-driving vehicles remains prevalent among U.S. drivers. According to AAA’s latest survey, only 13% of drivers would trust riding in a self-driving vehicle, up from 9% last year. However, 60% still express fear about the technology. This apprehension is reflected in the decreasing interest in self-driving cars, with only 13% of drivers considering their development a priority, down from 18% in 2022.
In contrast, there is strong support for improving vehicle safety systems. 78% of drivers prioritize advancements in safety technology, a figure that has remained steady over the years. This preference highlights a desire for immediate safety enhancements rather than futuristic autonomous features.
The survey also explored attitudes towards Robotaxis, self-driving vehicles used for ride-sharing. As of 2025, Robotaxis operate in several major cities. While 74% of drivers are aware of them, 53% say they would not choose to ride in one. Younger drivers, such as Millennials and Generation X, are more open to the idea than Baby Boomers, though even among these groups, the majority remain hesitant.
Interest in Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) continues to be high. 64% of drivers would “definitely” or “probably” want Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) on their next vehicle, 62% want Reverse Automatic Emergency Braking, and 59% want Lane Keeping Assistance. AAA stresses that these systems must perform reliably and be clearly named to maintain consumer interest.
Greg Brannon, AAA’s automotive engineering director, stated, “Most drivers want automakers to focus on advanced safety technology. Though opinions on fully self-driving cars vary widely, it’s evident that today’s drivers value features that enhance their safety.”
AAA is committed to collaborating with industry leaders to prioritize safety and performance in advanced vehicle technology. The organization aims to shape safety standards and educate drivers on using these technologies confidently. Recent AAA research from October 2024 shows significant improvements in AEB, particularly at speeds up to 35 mph, signaling progress in safety advancements.
AAA Resources:
- Clearing the Confusion: Provides consistent, easy-to-understand naming and descriptions of ADAS.
- ADAS Repair Costs: Highlights that fixing advanced vehicle systems accounts for over one-third of repair costs following a crash.
Methodology
The survey was conducted from January 9-13, 2025, using a probability-based panel representative of U.S. households. A total of 1,095 interviews were completed, with 888 qualifying for the study. The margin of error is 4.4% at the 95% confidence level.
About AAA
Founded in 1902, AAA has grown into one of North America’s largest membership organizations, serving over 65 million members, including nearly 58 million in the U.S. It offers roadside assistance, travel planning, member discounts, and financial and insurance services. Visit www.AAA.com for more information.
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