Do People Even Want Fully Self-Driving Cars?

A recent survey has indicated people still want to be able to control their vehicle.

Gartner Consumer Trends in Automotive recently surveyed 1,500 people in the U.S. and Germany, asking if they would be willing to ride in a fully autonomous car. Of those surveyed, 55 percent said they would not even ride in a fully autonomous car, although just over 70 percent would ride in a car that was partially autonomous. For the study, partially autonomous was defined as vehicles that could drive autonomously, but would allow a driver to retake control if necessary.

So while automakers are focused on developing self-driving cars and advocates say the technology makes driving safer, people are still hesitant to welcome it with open arms.

SEE ALSO: Honda Aims for Self-Driving Cars by 2025

“The big issue is that people are afraid of being in vehicles where they cannot exercise some control,” said Gartner research director Mike Ramsey in an interview with CNBC. The study suggests that first-generation autonomous vehicles will require steering wheels and pedals, as consumers are likely hesitant to get inside a car they can’t take control over.

According to the survey, consumers reluctant to ride in a self-driving car are particularly worried the cars might become confused in an unexpected situation, and are worried about system failures that could endanger them. A full 29 percent of respondents said they would not want to ride in a partially autonomous car and their concerns come from whether they can trust the system.

[Source: CNBC]