Study Finds 88 Percent of Adults Would Be Worried about Riding in a Driverless Car

February 3, 2014; Here are the results of an interesting Harris Poll study, commissioned by Seapine Software, which revealed that 88 percent of U.S. adults would be worried about riding in a driverless car. The survey was conducted among 2,039 adults ages 18 and older, also found that three-fourths (79 percent) of U.S. adults would worry that the equipment in a driverless car will fail, such as a braking software glitch or failed warning sensor that alerts the driver of danger.

The study also revealed the following concerns of U.S. adults would have about riding in driverless cars:

More than half (59 percent) are worried about liability issues, such as who would be responsible if a driverless car is involved in an accident.

52 percent fear a hacker could breach the driverless car’s system and gain control of the vehicle.

More than one-third (37 percent) worry auto companies, insurers, advertisers and municipalities may collect personal data such as where the car goes and how fast it’s traveling.

Only 12 percent said they would not be worried about riding in a driverless car.