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Most Americans Not Ready for Self-Driving Vehicles

Posted on behalf of Arnold Law Firm in
driverless-vehicleA new survey conducted by the American Automobile Association (AAA) suggests that most Americans do not trust self-driving vehicles. The results of the survey are surprising to automakers and technology companies that are developing self-driving (autonomous) vehicles. Many businesses promote the introduction of autonomous cars as a way to increase roadway safety. Yet, according to the survey, most Americans are afraid of self-driving technology and fear they may be less safe than traditional vehicles.

Acceptance Stifled by Fear

The AAA survey indicated that the majority of respondents are not willing to use self-driving vehicles, regardless of the purported safety and reliability of the technology that makes the vehicles possible. Seventy-five percent of respondents said they were generally fearful of riding in an autonomous vehicle, and 40 percent said they were hesitant to use the technology that makes self-driving vehicles possible. Respondents cited the automatic emergency breaking feature as one technological advancement they were particularly fearful of using. Many of those who expressed reluctance about using autonomous vehicles claimed lack of trust in the technology as their primary concern. Self-driving cars have been involved in various accidents since they were first introduced in 2009. Last month, a Google driverless car was responsible for causing an accident in Mountain View, CA. The vehicle struck a transit bus while maneuvering around sandbags in the road. The overall reluctance denoted by the AAA survey could show manufacturers that people do not want self-driving cars, and it could potentially bring the self-driving vehicle movement to a halt.

Some Groups More Open than Others

While reluctance and fear were heavily indicated in the survey, not all respondents were opposed to using self-driving vehicles. The survey also showed that drivers who currently have some form of autonomous safety system in their vehicles are more accepting and willing to endorse the technology. Many millennials who were surveyed expressed a desire to use autonomous vehicles for convenience and to utilize the latest vehicle technology. Baby boomers stated that the self-driving cars would most likely have a positive impact on safety, which would be their top reason for purchasing one. Additionally, the majority of women surveyed said they felt autonomous vehicles would help to reduce roadway stress. If you have been injured in a car accident, you may be eligible to receive financial compensation for your lost wages, medical bills, and other damages. A highly skilled Sacramento injury attorney at the Arnold Law Firm can hold responsible parties accountable for their actions and proudly fight to get you the justice and compensation you deserve.

Call (916) 777-7777 or fill out our FREE Case Review Form today.

Settlement - $3,767,000

Truck Accident

A 20-year-old man who had been married for just 12 days left home on his way to work. He was driving on Pleasant Grove Road in Sutter County in the early morning when he came upon a slow-moving truck. As he pulled out to pass the truck, the truck driver turned left in front of him. The young man attempted to steer back into his lane but his vehicle struck an un-flagged piece of metal extending from the back of the truck. He died in the resulting crash.

Expert witnesses brought in by the Arnold Law Firm proved that the truck, owned and operated by a hauling firm, should never have been on the highway that morning. Specifically, the rear and side turn signals did not work and the rear-view mirror was in a poor state of adjustment at the time of the collision. As a result, the driver, who had failed to properly inspect the vehicle before setting out that morning, couldn’t see the young man’s vehicle as it attempted to pass.

The poor condition of the truck, its lack of maintenance and the manner in which it was operated were found to be substantial factors in causing the collision that killed the young man. The testimony also established that the man had been making a lawful pass at the lawful speed limit and acted reasonably when he attempted to avoid the collision.

The man’s 20-year-old widow was awarded $3,767,000.77, his parents were awarded $185,131 and the family was reimbursed $11,899 in funeral expenses. Though money is a poor substitute for a young man’s life, this verdict demonstrates that drivers who endanger the lives of others will be held accountable for their actions.