Survey Shows U.K. Motorists Wary of Driverless Cars

Some 60% of 2,000 U.K. motorists surveyed say they worry about the safety of a fully autonomous vehicle.

That finding is in a survey conducted for Continental Tires that found 51% of drivers saying they also are concerned that technology failing would result in the vehicle breaking down.

Some 49% say they simply mistrust the concept of a self-driving car and 20% say the concept scares them.

The research for Continental is part of its program that aims to eliminate road accidents through innovative tire technologies and automotive systems.

Despite the concerns, those surveyed did express what they consider to be major advantages of driverless vehicles. Foremost was the possibility of safer roads, more efficient and reduced journey times, and having to concentrate less.

However, when asked about their view on the prospects of autonomous vehicles, a quarter of those surveyed say they believe automotive and technology companies could exaggerate what is possible.

Continental spokesman Mark Griffiths says it is clear from this research that U.K. motorists identify with safety as a significant trust factor. “There are very exciting times ahead with the advent of automated technology, though with any advance comes concerns,” he says in a statement.

The top 10 list of advantages of autonomous driving identified by the survey: road safety; more efficient/reduced journey times; less concentration required; reduced insurance costs through fewer accidents; opportunity to use a cellphone; increased mobility for non-drivers; opportunity to eat in the car; opportunity to read in the car; more productive use of time; opportunity to use tablet/laptop.