A recent survey by AAA reveals that although faith in autonomous vehicle technology is on the rise, most American drivers would prefer to see more advancements in safety technology than having self-driving vehicles on the roads.
A new study reveals that consumers are gaining a little more confidence in self-driving technology.
Much of the focus on automotive technology in recent years has centered on autonomous or self-driving vehicle development. Whether it’s the billions of dollars spent for the ongoing development of the tech or simply the fascination some have with the idea, autonomous vehicles and their development have been making headlines.
Of course, whenever something new and exciting arrives on the scene, someone will poll the public to see if it moves the needle as much as the potential purveyors of this technological wizardry believes. And in the case of self-driving cars, not so much.
Drivers wants
According to AAA’s latest polling, 13% of U.S. drivers trust autonomous vehicles. That’s good news for the tech team since it represents a nice improvement over last year’s 9%. However, more than 60% of drivers reported being too afraid of the technology it actually ride in a self-driving vehicle.
The study shows that automatic emergency braking is the technology most desired by potential buyers.
Conversely, improving vehicle safety systems appears to be a movement most Americans support as 78% of those surveyed “prioritize advancements in safety systems” as the most important thing automakers and suppliers can do.
“Most drivers want automakers to focus on advanced safety technology,” said Greg Brannon, the automotive engineering director at AAA. “Though opinions on fully self-driving cars vary widely, it’s evident that today’s drivers value features that enhance their safety.”
This is despite fleets of robotaxis traversing the streets of nearly a dozen large cities in the U.S. collecting data while offering free rides to residents and tourists alike. Tesla, Waymo and scores of other companies all have vehicles in test mode in cities ranging from San Francisco to Detroit to Miami.
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Alternate views
Surprisingly, this focus and desire on improved safety confirms that Americans are more about substance over style when it comes to their vehicles — which explains why SUVs, which all look so similar, are the top-selling segment in the U.S.
GM has effectively ceded the robocab field to competitors like Waymo, with Tesla preparing to launch its own CyberCab.
The study shows that new vehicle styling is a low priority, with only 24% of drivers viewing it as important. Enthusiasm is also low toward the development of self-driving vehicles — only 13% of drivers consider this a priority, a decrease from 18% in 2022.
As of 2025, Robotaxis, self-driving vehicles used like a taxi or ride-share, operate in several major cities. AAA’s survey found that 74% of drivers were aware of Robotaxis, yet 53% said they would not choose to ride in one.
Different demographics have varying opinions. Millennial and Generation X drivers are more likely to say they would ride in one than Baby Boomer drivers, but even among younger drivers, most say they wouldn’t ride in a Robotaxi.
Safety first
Although most folks aren’t currently rallying to get more self-driving vehicles on the road, they do seem to like much of the technology needed to make a vehicle autonomous.
The survey found that 64% of U.S. drivers would “definitely” or “probably” want Automatic Emergency Braking on their next vehicle, 62% would want Reverse Automatic Emergency Braking, and 59% Lane Keeping Assistance.
The results seem to lead to the conclusion — which AAA arrived at — that new safety technology should improve driver safety not make cars drive themselves.
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