Half of mobility-limited people and six in ten overall would have a higher quality of life with an autonomous and connected vehicle, a new study conducted by the SMMT has shown.
71% of respondents aged between 17 and 24 saw autonomous cars bringing improvement to their lives – the most positive demographic – although the general population was 56% positive overall. This still leaves 44% not feeling positive. However, trust of the public is often cited as a barrier-to-entry for autonomous cars.
The two largest stress-relieving attractions for those surveyed were autonomous braking and self-diagnosis of faults, although the main benefit of those surveyed was the comparative ease of going out; 49% of those with mobility-related disabilities said that an autonomous car would allow them to leave the house more often.
More widely, the advent of mobility schemes promises money savings for young people, with 29% agreeing that the cost of owning and running a car was restrictive, while 33% dubbed public transport as too expensive and infrequent.
Mike Hawes, the SMMT’s chief executive said: “The benefits of connected and autonomous vehicles are life-changing, offering more people greater independence, freedom to socialise, work and earn more, and access services more easily. While fully autonomous cars will be a step change for society, this report shows people are already seeing their benefits. The challenge now is to create the conditions that will allow this technology to thrive, given how it will deliver wider societal advantages.”
Professor Will Stewart, vice president of the Institution of Engineering and Technology, added: “Driverless vehicles have huge potential to transform the UK’s transport network and acceptance is growing, but there is work to be done before everyone is won over. There is a great opportunity to educate these groups about the benefits and potential offered by this new technology.
“The benefits of driverless cars are improved road safety, reduced congestion, roads free of parked cars and lower emissions. Wider public acceptance and trust are crucial, particularly for the older generation, who stand to benefit hugely with increased mobility, so the trials currently taking place must get to grips with the best ways to win over everyone – from car manufacturers to consumers – to the benefits of driverless cars.”
Read more:
Mercedes-AMG S 63 to get more power and advanced autonomous systems
Join the debate
Add your comment
These days of youngsters are
These days of youngsters are more like to racing cars because it can be more try to fast speed. You can use my shopbop reviews to get the tuning our cars and buy some kits which can be increase you cars speed and moving more.
That's nice.
The major benefits of autonomy