Over 70% of motorists would not consider buying a vehicle that can drive itself according to a new consumer survey by Bosch.

Although considered science fiction by some, the autonomous car is a reality. Since the 1980s, car manufacturers have been actively developing autonomous vehicle technology. Companies such as Google have recently trialled autonomous technologies, which has brought the subject into the public’s consciousness.

Despite the fact that the mainstream production of autonomous vehicles may be many years away, the basics of the technology are already in place on many modern cars. Volvo is looking to introduce automonous technology on its products in 2014.

The study revealed that while consumers are not ready to give over total control the majority (60% or over in all cases) are happy with driver assistance systems like Predictive Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning and Driver Drowsiness Detection systems.

Bosch asked 1,000 motorists about their attitudes towards new car technology.

 

Headline findings
53% of people would feel unsafe in a driverless car
27% think driverless cars will be ineffective at reducing accidents
71% would not consider buying a driverless car

Being a passenger in a driverless car
53% of people would feel unsafe
Men – 44% would feel unsafe
Women – 68% would feel unsafe
18-34 year olds – 32% would feel unsafe
Over 55 year olds – 65% would feel unsafe

Reducing accidents
27% think they will be ineffective
Men – 25% think they will be ineffective
Women – 28% think they will be ineffective
18-34 year olds – 16% think they will be ineffective
Over 55 year olds – 33% think they will be ineffective

Buying a driverless car
71% would not consider buying one
Men – 64% would not consider buying one
Women – 80% would not consider buying one
18-34 year olds – 48% would not consider buying one
Over 55 year olds – 85% would not consider buying one

Enjoying a driverless car compared to driving themselves
27% think they would enjoy it as much
Men – 33% would enjoy it as much
Women – 19% would enjoy it as much
18-34 year olds – 51% would enjoy it as much
Over 55 year olds – 12% would enjoy it as much

Happy with underlying technologies
Driver Drowsiness Detection – 69% happy
Predictive Emergency Braking System – 68% happy
Adaptive Cruise Control – 66% happy
Lane Departure Warning – 60% happy
Men – 69% happy
Women – 61% happy
18-34 year olds – 71% happy
Over 55 year olds – 63% happy