AAA Survey Finds Americans Are Still Afraid of Self-Driving Vehicles 

Americans grew slightly less wary of self-driving vehicles over the past year, but an overwhelming majority still don’t trust riding in one, according to the latest AAA survey on autonomous vehicles. 

Just 13% of U.S. drivers indicated they’d feel safe riding in a self-driving or autonomous vehicle (AV). That’s up from last year, when 9% of drivers said they’d be comfortable. Despite the slight increase, 6 in 10 drivers still report being afraid to get into a vehicle that drives itself.  

For drivers, enhancing vehicle safety systems remains the priority — 78% of survey respondents listed advancements in safety systems as a top vehicle technology initiative. In contrast, the development of self-driving vehicles is a low priority as only 13% of drivers expressed interest in AV technology.  

“Most drivers are interested in advanced technology to enhance safety but still want to maintain a sense of control over their vehicles,” said Jillian Young, director of public relations for AAA Northeast. “When it comes to gaining consumer trust in self-driving vehicles, automakers face a long road ahead and as vehicle technology continues to evolve, educating consumers on safety standards is paramount.” 

Robotaxis — self-driving vehicles used for taxi and ride-hail services — operate in several major cities. AAA’s survey found that 74% of drivers were aware of robotaxis, but more than half (53%) said they would choose not to ride in one.  

Collectively, interest in advanced driver assistance features (ADAS) continues to remain high. The survey found that 64% of U.S. drivers would “definitely” or “probably” want Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) on their next vehicle, 62% would want Reverse Automatic Emergency Braking, and 59% would want Lane Keeping Assistance. AAA advocates for standardized naming schemes for these systems to accurately describe their capabilities and limitations and reduce consumer confusion. 

“Advanced driver assistance technologies should enhance driver safety rather than give the impression that the car is driving itself,” Young said. “As the software and sensors that power these systems continue to improve, drivers must be informed about their limitations as well.” 

AAA has conducted various tests to determine if the technology performs as expected. Research released by AAA in October 2024 showed significant AEB advancements, particularly at speeds up to 35 mph.