FI showroom red and grey logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Drivers Fear Driverless Tech

AAA survey finds they favor semiautonomous safety features instead.

February 25, 2025
Drivers Fear Driverless Tech

For several years running, most survey respondents say automakers should prioritize vehicle safety features over self-driving technology.

Credit:

Pexels/Malte Luk

2 min to read


Though slightly more U.S. drivers than last year would trust a car to drive them around, most still fear it and prefer automakers focus on better vehicle safety features.

A AAA study interviewed more than 1,000 drivers in January to assess attitudes toward driverless technology

Ad Loading...

The survey found that 61% of American drivers are nervous about riding in a self-driving vehicle, down from 66% last year but still a significant barrier to adoption. Twenty-six said they’re unsure about the technology, while just 13% would trust it, up from 9% last year.

Overriding sentiment continued to center on vehicle safety systems for several years running, 78% of survey respondents saying automakers should prioritize those over self-driving vehicle features. Just 13% prioritize self-driving vehicle technology, down from 18% in 2022.

“AAA believes addressing consumer concerns means transparency regarding ADAS performance with clear communication about its limitations,” the nonprofit organization said in a press release on the survey findings. “Advanced vehicle safety technology should enhance driver safety rather than give the impression that the car is driving itself.”

Since companies operating self-driving taxis, or robotaxis, have established service in several major U.S. cities, 74% of survey respondents were aware of them, but 53% said they wouldn’t hail one, though that majority was smaller among millennial and Generation X respondents.

Meanwhile, most drivers want semiautonomous features in their next vehicles: 64% of respondents would “definitely” or “probably” want automatic emergency braking, 62% reverse automatic emergency braking, and 59% lane-keeping assistance, according to the survey.

 

 

More Industry

desert road with cars driving away, Rebates Incoming with red star graphic, F&I and Showroom logo
Showroomby Lauren LawrenceJuly 15, 2026

California Launches EV Rebate Program

Participating automakers are matching the state's $13.5 million investment in new electric-vehicle rebates scheduled to take effect later this summer.

Read More →
interior view of car dashboard and steering column. gray interior
Industryby Lauren LawrenceJuly 13, 2026

UN Advances Fully Autonomous Vehicle Framework

While such cars aren’t on the public market yet, the United Nations established a safety-focused regulatory framework that's endorsed by the U.S.

Read More →
Photo of a humanoid robot's chest, shoulders and head
Industryby Hannah MitchellJuly 9, 2026

Another Carmaker Embraces Robots

Mitsubishi and a Japan-based startup plan to make humanoids at a home-country factory to use in auto manufacturing and to sell to others.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
inside of an automotive manufacturing facility, Closing the Skills Gap, F&I and Showroom
Industryby Lauren LawrenceJuly 9, 2026

Auto Workforce Impacted by Skills Gaps

The transition to electric vehicles has impacted the automotive workforce in many ways, including the need for education and skills training on emerging technologies.

Read More →
five people standing side-by-side holding hands, text says Rising Trend: Employee Ownership, F&I and Showroom logo
Industryby Lauren LawrenceJuly 7, 2026

Auto Group Transitions to Employee Ownership

An Ohio-based automotive group transitioned to 100% employee ownership, or an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, with the stated intent of supporting its legacy and growth.

Read More →
Photo of executive in a sports coat and glasses
Industryby StaffJuly 2, 2026

Amplify 2026 Billed as Turning Innovation Into Results

Reynolds and Reynolds says its annual retail summit will connect dealers with practical strategies, peer insight, and technology-driven ideas.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Assurant, Early Service Introductions, Sales Series, Expert trainer Josh Krach
IndustryJuly 1, 2026

Early Service Introductions

In this video, Josh Krach explains how early service introductions can help each department in the dealership.

Read More →
Console on roof of car.
Industryby Hannah MitchellJune 24, 2026

Automakers Develop Car Sanitizer

Hyundai and Kia say the particular ultraviolet light used in the technology has been demonstrated to kill the vast majority of a potentially harmful bacterium inside a vehicle.

Read More →
Map of Europe next to back of EV car.
Showroomby Lauren LawrenceJune 22, 2026

European EV Market Hits Record

Seven out of the top 10 electric vehicles sold so far in 2026 in Europe are by European brands, and automakers are seeing the power train fill up their order books.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Person pumping gas into car.
Showroomby Lauren LawrenceJune 17, 2026

Used EVs Outpace New

While North American electric-vehicle sales remain down year-over-year, May sales saw a 3% increase from April’s numbers as used EVs led the market.

Read More →