Vehicle automation: Most drivers still want to retain at least some control

ANN ARBOR-Despite greater coverage of driverless technology advancements the past couple of years, most Americans still prefer to drive themselves-at least partially, say University of Michigan researchers. In a follow-up to a report issued last year, Brandon Schoettle and Michael Sivak of the U-M Transportation Research Institute examined motorists' current preferences for vehicle automation, including their overall concern about riding in self-driving cars. They found that about 46 percent prefer to retain full control while driving, while nearly 39 percent prefer a partially self-driving vehicle with occasional control by the driver. Just under 16 percent would rather ride in a completely self-driving vehicle. About two-thirds of the 618 survey respondents said they are moderately or very concerned about riding in a completely self-driving vehicle, while about half have the same levels of concern regarding partially self-driving vehicles. In both cases with driver preferences and concerns, the percentages are largely unchanged from last year. "Overall public opinion has been remarkably consistent over the two years that this survey has been conducted, despite the increased media coverage of self-driving vehicles," Schoettle said.