While a number of automakers have begun developing autonomous vehicles and even testing them on the road, a new survey of U.K. drivers by SmartWitness reveals that nearly two thirds are against government plans to allow driverless cars on British roads by January 2015.
What's more, 88% call for forward-facing cameras to be installed so that they can't be held responsible in the event of a collision.
“Two thirds of motorists said that the Government was premature in allowing driverless cars on U.K. roads and that more tests were needed to ensure the safety of the new technology,” SmartWitness Managing Director Simon Marsh said.
U.K. Business Secretary Vince Cable announced the move last month for a £10 million trial (approx. $18 million) for driverless cars to go ahead in three cities and on certain roads such as highways and in specific lanes.
Companies that are developing autonomous vehicles, including Volvo, Nissan, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Vauxhall, Volkswagen, Honda and even Google, insist they'll be equipped with a manual over-ride, allowing the “driver” to take control if necessary.
Yet, according to SmartWitness, 69% of motorists would not want to buy a driverless car and 42.6% would refuse to go on a journey in a one.
Do you trust autonomous car technology? We'd love to get your opinion!
Source: SmartWitness
What's more, 88% call for forward-facing cameras to be installed so that they can't be held responsible in the event of a collision.
“Two thirds of motorists said that the Government was premature in allowing driverless cars on U.K. roads and that more tests were needed to ensure the safety of the new technology,” SmartWitness Managing Director Simon Marsh said.
U.K. Business Secretary Vince Cable announced the move last month for a £10 million trial (approx. $18 million) for driverless cars to go ahead in three cities and on certain roads such as highways and in specific lanes.
Companies that are developing autonomous vehicles, including Volvo, Nissan, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Vauxhall, Volkswagen, Honda and even Google, insist they'll be equipped with a manual over-ride, allowing the “driver” to take control if necessary.
Yet, according to SmartWitness, 69% of motorists would not want to buy a driverless car and 42.6% would refuse to go on a journey in a one.
Do you trust autonomous car technology? We'd love to get your opinion!
Source: SmartWitness
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| Autonomous cars (Photo: Ford) |