Key points from the article:
1. AAA Study Findings: According to a study conducted by the American Automobile Association (AAA), two-thirds of drivers express fear regarding self-driving cars, while 24 percent are uncertain about their feelings.
2. Changing Attitudes Over Time: The attitudes toward self-driving cars have shifted significantly in recent years. In 2021 and 2022, around 54-55 percent of respondents were afraid of self-driving cars. However, in 2023, this number increased to 68 percent before dropping slightly to 66 percent in 2024.
3. Reasons for Concern: Greg Brannon, AAA's director of automotive research, attributes the increase in fear to high-profile crashes caused by over-reliance on current vehicle technologies. This has led to a decline in public trust regarding self-driving cars.
4. Need for Education and Trust-Building: AAA emphasizes the importance of building public trust and understanding surrounding emerging vehicle technology. There is a need for automakers to dispel confusion and clearly communicate the capabilities of their driver assistance programs.
5. Confusion Over Terminology: The study highlights confusion among consumers regarding the terminology used by automakers to describe driver assistance programs. Names like ProPILOT, Pilot Assist, and Autopilot may lead some consumers to believe that the car can drive itself without supervision.
6. Call for Industry Consistency: AAA seeks to partner with automakers to create greater consistency in terminology and messaging across the industry. This can help consumers better understand the capabilities of their vehicles and build trust in future vehicle technologies.
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