The FINANCIAL — Games console-generation drivers are most likely to want to experience driverless cars that are due to be tested on UK roads this year, according to the latest AA Cars report into the ‘State of the Nation’s Cars’.
Overall only around one in 10 (12%) of 23,450 AA members responding to an AA-Populus poll said they can’t wait to take their hands off the wheel of a driverless car, but that sentiment rises to 16% for drivers in the 25-34 age group and 15% among 18-24 year olds, according to the report.
Their grandparents share the older-generations’ 57% to 61% misgiving about the safety of driverless cars. Only 10% of pensioners, the lowest of any age group, are itching to give a driverless car a go.
However, when drivers aged 65 years or more are offered the prospect of increased mobility, their strong resistance to this new technology softens markedly – 13%, the highest of any age group, then sees an advantage in driverless cars, according to the Automobile Association Limited.
Overall, despite this month’s Government announcement of trials this year, general acceptance of this new technology faces an uphill struggle.
“Cars are becoming more automated with the introduction of assistance systems to aid parking; keeping a safe distance from the car in front; or lane departure warning systems," said David Bruce, director of AA Cars. "However, there is a big leap of faith needed by drivers from embracing assistance systems to accepting the fully automated car. Two thirds of AA members still enjoy driving too much to want a fully automated car," he added.
“The fact that advanced technology could enhance the mobility of an ageing generation adds a certain appeal to older drivers if it will keep them driving longer. Technology is not a prison. We must embrace technology as ultimately it will make our cars safer. Currently we have no driverless cars at TheAACars.com but we do have plenty that offer sophisticated assistance systems,” Bruce added.
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