New research conducted by HPI, a leader in vehicle history checks and valuations, reveals that 57% of motorists are concerned about the lack of control associated with self-driving cars. The study, which surveyed over 2,000 UK adults, highlights apprehensions about safety, trust, and costs as key issues surrounding autonomous vehicles.
Key Highlights:
- Behavior of other road users worries 49% of drivers, ranking second among concerns.
- Women express greater unease (60%) about not feeling in control compared to men (55%).
- Accidents and road conditions trouble 41% and 37.5% of respondents, respectively.
- Technology interaction and reliability: 37% worry about how self-driving cars interact, while 35% cite trust issues and concerns over breakdowns.
- Cost considerations deter 34%, with many assuming driverless cars will be more expensive.
- Generational divide: Younger drivers (26%) have greater trust in autonomous vehicles than older groups (13% among 55-64-year-olds, 10% for 65+).
Legislative Progress and Future Adoption
The Automated Vehicles Act (AV Act), passed in May 2024, has established a framework for the deployment of driverless cars in the UK. It sets standards for safety, data security, and insurance and could enable autonomous vehicles to operate on UK roads as early as 2026.
Industry Insights
Matt Freeman, Managing Consultant at HPI, noted:
“Fully autonomous vehicles could be on UK roads by as early as 2026, so the results of our study into concerns around driverless technology are encouraging. Drivers seem to be prepared to adopt the technology, and general trepidation levels are fairly balanced, especially as the vehicles are not even around at present.”
He added that public attitudes toward autonomous vehicles are shifting positively, driven by increasing familiarity with AI-based systems like auto braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane assist.
About HPI and Solera
HPI offers the UK’s longest-running vehicle check service, including car history reports, valuations, and MOT history checks. Visit HPI for more information.
Solera, a global leader in vehicle lifecycle management, supports over 280,000 customers across 120+ countries with its integrated software, data, and services. Learn more at Solera.
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