Teens' Thoughts Regarding the Future of Vehicle Technology According to a 2018 Survey by SADD® and State Farm®

Key Learnings Teens appear to have an overall skepticism about fully autonomous vehicles. When asked to rate their interest in driving cars that are fully autonomous, 55.6 percent rated this only a one (out of a possible five). When asked whether they would feel safe riding in a car that is fully autonomous, 56.3 percent rated this just a one out of five. When asked about the future likelihood they will own or drive a car that is fully autonomous, 61.4 percent rated this a one out of five. Nearly 20 percent (18.8 percent) believe their generation will be less likely to own a car than people are today. The survey indicated there might be a need for more education about vehicle technologies. Those with greater understanding showed higher overall acceptance of new technology. Survey Details The teens were asked to rate different types of vehicle automation based on the following questions: How would you rate your understanding of this technology? How interested are you in driving cars with this technology? How safe do you (or would you) feel in a car with this technology? Now or in the future, how likely is it that you will own or drive a car with this technology? In their own words... For those who felt their generation would be less likely to own or drive a car with these technologies, we asked them to explain their reasons. Here is a sampling of their verbatim responses. More likely (38.7%) Drivers will not want to relinquish control of their vehicle. I believe they will be receptive to assistance, but not a total loss of control. Regardless of price or mass transportation, everyone feels safer when somewhat in control of where they are driven. As likely (42.4%) I think it would be the same. I know teens will want their own car and adults with professional jobs would not want to use these transportations. I personally would like my own car rather than use the transportations listed above. There are multiple advances in technology, especially transportation, which will eliminate the need for a car. I will greatly look into my personal need for a car with or without features. Future generations will not have the experience of a car that is not fully automatic so eventually the majority will have fully automatic cars. Less likely (18.8%) I honestly just don't feel safe driving cars with no steering wheel, I understand that these cars are tested, but there is always chance for error. More companies such as Uber are taking over and are probably going to be more accepted as the normal thing to do. The cars of today will be a thing of the past, like a landline telephone. Cars with these modifications will be more expensive and public transportation would be most efficient. The ratings... Here are their ratings for each type of vehicle automation (one being least, five being greatest): Fully automated vehicle with no steering wheel or brake pedal How would you rate your understanding of this technology? How interested are you in driving cars with this technology? How safe do you (or would you) feel in a car with this technology? Now or in the future, how likely is it that you will own or drive a car with this technology? Average rating 2.933 1.886 1.791 1.785 Average rating when they indicated their understanding level is a 4 or 5 (37.6% of total ) N/A 1.968 2.007 1.906 Adaptive Cruise Control How would you rate your understanding of this technology? How interested are you in driving cars with this technology? How safe do you(or would you) feel in a car with this technology? Now or in the future, how likely is it that you will own or drive a car with this technology? Average rating 3.198 3.612 3.161 3.137 Average rating when they indicated their understanding level is a 4 or 5 (41% of total) N/A 3.798 3.495 3.441 Lane Keep Assistance How would you rate your understanding of this technology? How interested are you in driving cars with this technology? How safe do you (or would you) feel in a car with this technology? Now or in the future, how likely is it that you will own or drive a car with this technology? Average rating 3.52 3.990 3.641 3.401 Average rating when they indicated their understanding level is a 4 or 5 (56% of total) N/A 4.190 4.018 3.756 Automatic Emergency Braking How would you rate your understanding of this technology? How interested are you in driving cars with this technology? How safe do you (or would you) feel in a car with this technology? Now or in the future, how likely is it that you will own or drive a car with this technology? Average rating 3.755 4.133 3.645 3.473 Average rating when they indicated their understanding level is a 4 or (64.4% of total) N/A 4.34 3.994 3.787