We conducted a survey to gauge public perceptions of driverless technology in both cars and semi-trucks. Here's what we found.

1. Software Advice IndustryView:
The Future of Driverless Fleets
Trends and best practices from the industry.

2. Abstract
We surveyed 385 adults in the United States over their attitudes toward
driverless technology in both cars and semi-trucks. Here’s what we found:
• Over two-thirds of survey respondents said they would feel less safe sharing
the road with driverless semi-trucks.
• Women were more likely than men to think that vehicles piloted by driverless
technology would be less safe than vehicles operated by human beings.
• The majority of respondents would be uncomfortable with driverless semi-trucks,
even if it meant cheaper consumer goods or reduced carbon emissions.

3. Concern Over Driverless Trucks Is Widespread
Cars
Semi-trucks
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Much less safe Much safer
Over two-thirds of respondents said driverless semi-trucks would be “less safe”
than regular vehicles, while 56 percent said driverless cars would be “less safe.”

4. Women More Wary of Driverless Cars Than Men
Men
Women
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Much less safe Much safer
Sixty-five percent of women—compared to 46 percent of men—said they thought
driverless cars would be “less safe” than traditional cars.

5. Women More Wary of Driverless Semi-Trucks Than Men
Men
Women
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Much less safe Much safer
Seventy-seven percent of women said they thought driverless semi-trucks would
be “less safe,” compared to 59 percent of men.

6. Despite Benefits of Driverless Trucks, Public Still Skeptical
Wouldn’t be any more comfortable
Much more comfortable
Moderately more comfortable
Comfortable regardless
0 15 30 45 60
Percent of sample
Cheaper goods Reduced emissions
Over half of respondents would not feel any more comfortable sharing the road
with driverless trucks if it meant cheaper consumer goods or reduced emissions.

7. Read Report Read about our findings in more detail.
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