Half of Brits Are Unwilling To Ride In A Driverless Car

Following recent reports of minor accidents involving driverless cars, half of Brits are unwilling to ride in a self-driving vehicle, according to research from uSwitch.com.

The survey found that 48% are opposed to the idea of being a passenger in a driverless car, while 16% are 'horrified' at the idea of self-driving cars being allowed on British roads.

There is confusion over who would be financially responsible in the event of accident, with 26% saying that they would place the blame solely on the autonomous car maker, while just 18% said that the 'driver' should be accountable.

Despite the doom and gloom, there does appear to be some support for the new high-tech cars, with almost a fifth of Brits seeing the introduction of driverless vehicles as a positive move to help solve traffic congestion.

While Britain has only recently started trials of driverless cars, it has been reported that four of the 50 autonomous cars currently on the roads in California had been involved in accidents.

USwitch.com Insurance Expert Rod Jones commented: 'We may be years away from driverless cars outnumbering traditional vehicles on British roads, but it’s clear motorists are already questioning the impact they will have on their lives. With human error accounting for around 90% of road accidents, the potential safety benefits of driverless cars are significant and they should have a positive impact on car insurance premiums.

'However, confusion is still widespread and it will be vital for the Government and the insurance industry to clarify the issue of liability over the coming months if driverless technology is to receive the widespread public support it deserves.'