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Much has been said about the future of transport, but new research by AXA reveals that the majority of UK residents don’t think improved road safety will be had from the use of driverless cars.
AXA found that only 27% of 2,000 participants believe driverless cars will bring about fewer road accidents. The poll was conducted by Opinium on behalf of the insurer, whose property & casualty and specialty risk division AXA XL is insuring autonomous vehicle trials as part of the DRIVEN consortium.
Meanwhile the survey also pointed to the ongoing confusion surrounding the technology.
Citing Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) levels, AXA suggested that respondents didn’t do a good job of choosing the correct category when asked about driverless cars.
The highest level, which involves full automation, refers to “a vehicle that can make informed decisions and control itself and does not require a driver to take control in any situation as it is able to adapt to its surroundings,” and only a third picked this definition.
In fact, a tenth of those polled chose the definition for SAE Level 1, or “a vehicle that has one form of autonomous technology, such as steering, speed, or braking control.”
To address the confusion, AXA has released a video explaining the currently available technology as well as what’s to come.
“Driverless cars will revolutionise transport for the better, making our roads safer but also creating mobility solutions for people who are unable to drive,” noted AXA UK technical director David Williams.
“It is not surprising however, that new technology can be confusing and even lead to scepticism. What is clear, is that we need to educate motorists on the benefits of autonomous vehicles because consumer trust will be vital to their success.”
