More than 65 per cent of people surveyed still want the right to be in control
More than 65 per cent of motorists want to retain the right to drive even though driverless cars are coming, research from road safety organsation IAM RoadSmart – formerly known as the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) – has found.
IAM RoadSmart conducted an independent survey of 1,000 British motorists and a separate poll among its 92,000 members and the results showed that 65 per cent of motorists
believe that a human being should always be in control of a vehicle, with 53 per cent saying that the focus should be on making drivers safer – not just cars.
Members of IAM RoadSmart have welcomed hi-tech advancements which are improving vehicle safety, but want to maintain their control of a car – even though autonomous technology will be able to do it for them.
Results of the survey also revealed that 20 per cent of drivers thought that driverless cars were a ‘good idea’ whilst 34 per cent disagreed citing them as a ‘bad idea.’
When told that 95 per cent of accidents were down to ‘human error’ and that there was ‘a strong case for taking driver control out of the equation’ 24 per cent of respondents agreed with the proposition, which 15 per cent disagreed and 60 per cent opted for a cautious ‘wait and see.’
Sarah Sillars OBE, chief executive of IAM RoadSmart said: “Technological advances that make driving and riding safer for all road users have to be embraced whole-heartedly – but British motorists and our members, do want the right to drive.
“Intelligent cars will deliver a step change in road safety by targeting the human errors we make from time-to-time. At IAM RoadSmart we believe a well-trained driver and an ever-vigilant car is a win-win scenario for the future.
“This technology will also prove to be a major boost for business and keep UK PLC at the very edge of technological advance.
“IAM RoadSmart is the leading specialist in the interaction between human and machine and will play a significant role in this fundamental shift – which will see UK roads the safest, most business friendly and connected in the world.
“The government is due to consult this summer on how the UK can lead the development of autonomous vehicles; we are ready, willing and able to participate fully in this discussion.
“One could see a time when motorists might be restricted to driving on designated roads – and possibly just for pleasure rather than for work or getting from A to B.”
