Motorists like the idea of automated safety technology... for other drivers

Motorists do not want future car technology to prevent them from breaking the law by speeding or illegally using a phone, a survey suggests.

More than three-in-five drivers would be happy to see other road users have compulsory technology that prevents dangerous and illegal driving, suggests the survey of 2,000 UK motorists for Continental Tyres.

The study revealed drivers believe that fewer road accidents and fatalities will be delivered by improving the actions of road users, rather than automotive advances, pointing to a lack of trust in technology. For example, nearly twice as many motorists said they do not trust Autonomous Emergency Braking technology as do trust it.

According to the research, the top five views about automated driving are:

• It scares me – due to not being in control
• People are becoming too reliant on technology and are lazy
• There are too many risks associated with it – e.g. hacking
• I don’t like it – I’ll miss the experience of driving

Mark Griffiths, safety expert at Continental Tyres, said: “Our research found that motorists are yet to be convinced of the value of greater automation – like reduced congestion, improved road safety and cleaner motoring.”

“Irrespective of the real world safety benefits automotive systems can deliver, three-quarters of those surveyed who said they have no trust in driving advances said it was because they feared it would not work or would break down,” said Griffiths. “Not only are motorists wary of new automotive systems, but nearly one-in-three said they will miss the experience of driving when cars are fully automated.

“The more that automotive and technology businesses can do to educate road users of the benefits to our everyday lives, and as they begin to experience new vehicle technology, the more people are likely to trust greater automation as they would traditional car features like seatbelts and tyres.”