Self-Driving Vehicles Appeal to Drivers, But They Don’t Know What it Entails

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This article was written by Larry Printz for TheDetroitBureau.com

DETROIT, MI (12.03.2021) – As automakers rush to develop self-driving cars, trucks, SUVs and minivans, most consumers have an incorrect perception of the emerging technology. That’s the latest finding of the J.D. Power 2021 Mobility Confidence Index Study released Tuesday.

Driver education is key

When asked to choose one of seven possible descriptions that correctly defines fully automated self-driving vehicles, a mere 37% of respondents chose one of the two correct answers, with one defining Level 4 autonomy, the other Level 5. Fifty-five percent of respondents incorrectly selected descriptions of driver assist technology rather than self-driving technology.

J.D. Power survey reveals that drivers know little about automated vehicles, but are placing increased confidence in them.

What’s worse is that among drivers who profess to have more knowledge of fully automated self-driving vehicles, only 32% could describe it correctly. Among those who knew nothing of the technology, 37% described it correctly.

“This is a ‘Danger, Will Robinson’ moment for the fully automated self-driving vehicle industry,” said Lisa Boor, senior manager of global automotive at J.D. Power. “There is a significant gap between actual and perceived AV knowledge. Right now, consumers don’t know what they don’t know.”

Others agree.

Self-driving cars, like the GM’s Cruise AV, wouldn’t need a steering wheel on the instrument panel.

Acceptance of AVs is rising

But overall confidence in automated automobiles is growing according to J.D. Power, with 42% of those surveyed expressing confidence in fully automated self-driving vehicles. That’s up from 34% a year ago. And 31% had full confidence in fully automated delivery vehicles. But that level of acceptance rises to 47% among those whose vehicles have driver assist technology. When asked, consumers also saw AVs as being a boon to those who can’t drive due to age, illness or injury.

But acceptance will increase only if the safety of AVs is assured. 

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