Drivers confused about autonomous cars

Thatcham Research is calling on stakeholders to come together to instil trust in automation, on the back of a survey showing a significant proportion of drivers mistakenly believe that fully autonomous driving is possible today.

The Trust in Automation consumer study reveals that just over half of UK drivers (52%) think that they can buy a fully autonomous car today. This is despite the fact that only assisted driving systems, which require driver support, are currently available in the UK.

Matthew Avery, chief strategic research officer, Thatcham Research, said: “Realising the Government’s stated safety ambition for automated vehicles is dependent on driver education. This can’t just be lip service. With more than half of the UK public believing that Autonomous driving is here today, the perception is racing ahead of the reality.

“This demonstrates just how much work needs to be done to set realistic consumer expectations of the first vehicles offering limited self-driving functionality, when they do become available.

“Put simply, the benefits of automation will not be delivered if people don’t fully understand its limitations.”

UK roads will potentially see vehicles with ‘self-driving capability’ by 2025, according to a recent Government announcement.