Robotaxis and autonomous cars are still scary to most Americans

A convincing majority of Americans remain “afraid” to ride in self-driving vehicles, according to a survey released today by AAA.

A January survey of 1,095 people found that 61 percent do not trust self-driving vehicles (that survey question didn’t differentiate between semi-autonomous cars, like some Tesla models, and fully autonomous cars, like Waymo robotaxis). Conversely, 13 percent trust self-driving vehicles and 26 percent are unsure of their safety.

SEE ALSO: Robot, take the wheel: What you need to know about autonomous vehicles rolling out across the U.S.

While the percentage of those who remain scared of self-driving vehicles dropped from last year’s findings, which was 66 percent, 2025’s results represent a 7 percent increase in those frightened of using the technology from when AAA’s first self-driving survey was conducted in 2021. 

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AAA also queried its panel specifically on robotaxis, finding that 74 percent knew that self-driving rideshare cars were available in certain cities, yet 53 percent said they would not ride in one. While Millennial and Generation X drivers were more receptive to robotaxis than Baby Boomers, majorities of the younger generations still said they wouldn’t ride in such a vehicle.

The development of self-driving vehicles was not a priority for respondents; more people wanted investments in vehicle safety systems rather than expanding access to autonomous vehicles. According to AAA’s survey, the public’s interest in self-driving vehicles has decreased from 18 percent in 2022 to 13 percent this year.

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"Most drivers want automakers to focus on advanced safety technology," Greg Brannon, the automotive engineering director at AAA, said in a statement. "Though opinions on fully self-driving cars vary widely, its evident that today's drivers value features that enhance their safety."

While drivers remain skeptical of autonomous vehicles, many expressed a desire for self-driving technology like automatic emergency braking, reverse automatic emergency braking, and lane keeping assistance. In its announcement on the survey results, AAA reiterated its call for less confusing naming of the aforementioned autonomous technology.