Autonomous driving: Climate benefits biggest advantage according to survey
Autonomous driving: Climate benefits biggest advantage according to survey
Autonomous cars on the roads would be better for the climate and the environment - the majority of German citizens are convinced of this. 60% say the biggest advantages of self-driving cars are lower environmental impact due to lower fuel consumption, 53% expect better traffic flow and thus fewer traffic jams, and 49% expect less noise pollution due to an adapted driving style. These are the results of a representative survey commissioned by the digital association Bitkom among 1,005 people aged 16 and over in Germany.
Safety aspects play only a subordinate role
This is followed by more time for drivers (45%) and more driving comfort (39%). Safety aspects, on the other hand, play a lesser role. In each case, 30% expect fewer accidents due to autonomous cars and more safety for the occupants, while 26% expect more safety for other road users. A quarter (25%) expect to arrive at their destination more quickly. Only 21% say self-driving cars have no advantages.
"Autonomous driving will undoubtedly lead to better traffic flow and adapted driving and can thus contribute to climate protection. It is also very likely that road safety will increase," says Bitkom President Achim Berg.
Autonomous cars will dominate new registrations
However, the vast majority expect it to take even longer for more autonomous than conventional vehicles to be registered in Germany. Only 10% expect this to be the case in ten years, while another 25% think it will be in 15 years. Around a third (34%) say it will take another 20 years, while 19% expect this to happen in 25 years. And 9% are convinced the tide shift toward autonomous driving will not occur in 25 years either. Berg: "In about 20 years, autonomous cars should at least dominate the statistics for new registrations - that's what people in Germany expect."
Cybersecurity and liability issues are the biggest drawbacks
When it comes to the main disadvantages of autonomous cars, unresolved legal frameworks on liability issues, for example, are cited most frequently (73%). 61% fear autonomous cars could be hacked, 59% are afraid of technical problems and the same number fear high investment costs in infrastructure. Around half (47%) think autonomous cars are too expensive, 42% have less confidence in technology than in humans, especially in dangerous situations, and 42% are also concerned that their personal data could be used by third parties without their knowledge. 39% would not want to give up the fun of self-driving and 23% have little confidence in technology in general. One tenth (10%) see no disadvantages at all in autonomous driving.
