In an autonomous vehicle future, most British motorists want to retain right to drive

IAM Roadsmart surveys members and motoring public

Some 65% of motorists believe that a human being should always be in control of the vehicle

Some 65% of motorists believe that a human being should always be in control of the vehicle

The majority of British motorists want to retain the right to drive even though driverless cars are coming, according to two pieces of ne research by IAM RoadSmart.

The motoring skills charity conducted an independent survey of 1,000 British motorists as well as a separate poll among its 92,000 members.

Some 65% of motorists believe that a human being should always be in control of the vehicle, and 53% saying that the focus should be on making drivers safer, not just cars.

“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,” said Sarah Sillars, chief executive of IAM RoadSmart. “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.

“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 charity foresees new automative technology having a major benefit for the economy. “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.”

Survey results:

• 65% thought that a human being should always be in charge of a vehicle
• 20% thought that driverless cars were a ‘good idea’
• 34% thought that driverless cars were a ‘bad idea’
• 22% thought that driverless cars would ‘be the norm on UK roads’
• 52% thought that driverless cars would never be the norm on UK roads
• 16% thought that driverless cars are an ‘exciting prospect’

When told that 95% of accidents were down to ‘human error’ and that there was ‘a strong case for taking driver control out of the equation’:

• 24% agreed with the proposition
• 15% disagreed with the proposition
• 60% said ‘wait and see’ 

When asked whether they would ‘consider using a driverless car’:

• 32% said yes they would
• 38% said no they would not
• 29% said that they were unsure

The survey of IAM RoadSmart members revealed that welcomed hi-tech advances that 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.

• 87% thought that once driverless cars are readily available driving should not be banned by law.
• 92% would welcome automated systems that stopped tailgating.