Research from Volkswagen Financial Services UK reveals that nearly half of British drivers think they’d be better drivers than fully autonomous vehicles.
The study revealed that 46 per cent of British motorists would trust their own driving skills over those of self-driving cars. In Scotland, 54 per cent have more faith in their driving while 48 per cent of people living in northern England would also back their driving prowess over a driverless car.
Unsurprisingly, 52 per cent of younger drivers aged between 18-24 trust their own skills, while 39 per cent of over 75 believe they would be a better driver than an autonomous car.
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The study also suggests that not many people are actually convinced about the idea of purchasing a fully autonomous car. In fact, just 21 per cent of respondents said they are likely to buy a driverless car if and when they become available. The willingness to adopt autonomous vehicles varies greatly between different age groups, with 50 per cent of respondents aged between 25-34 willing to buy one compared to just 5 per cent of motorists aged between 55 and 64.
Of those eager to purchase a driverless car, 44 per cent they would spend their extra time listening to music while 25 per cent would watch TV or movies, 25 per cent would read, and 20 per cent would sleep. Men are also more likely to buy a driverless car than women (29 per cent versus 13 per cent).
“I think our study offers a fascinating insight into the collective psyche of British motorists as it confirms that we’re a proud nation of drivers and that we’re very confident in our own driving abilities,” Volkswagen Financial Services UK chief executive Mike Todd said. “It speaks volumes that so many of us would rather be in control behind the wheel as opposed to being chauffeured by highly sophisticated technology. Of course, the road to full autonomy will not be without its challenges – which goes some way to explaining the slight apprehension towards driverless vehicles uncovered in our research – but if self-driving technology continues to develop at its current pace, fully driverless cars could be here much sooner than we think.”
