Most people are 'uncomfortable' with the idea of driverless cars

The majority of people would not feel comfortable travelling at 70mph in a driverless car, according to a study by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

A survey of more than 2000 people conducted by IMechE and ICM Unlimited found that 66% would feel uncomfortable travelling in an autonomous vehicle with no human intervention.

There were big differences along gender lines, with 35% of men saying they would be comfortable in a driverless car, compared to just 20% of women.

Drastic age differences also emerged – 45% of 25 to 34 year olds said they would be comfortable with the idea, dropping to 13% of 65 to 74 year olds and 8% of those aged over 75.

“The benefits of driverless technology are huge,” said Philippa Oldham, head of transport at IMechE. “Not only could the technology help save hundreds of lives, but there are estimates that the overall UK economic benefit could be as much as £51 billion a year due to fewer accidents, improved productivity and increased trade.”

Oldham said a public awareness campaign was vital, and suggested that driverless technology should be demonstrated on city roads. “These cars could be a particularly eye-catching colour, and their presence on busy city roads could help make people more aware of, accustomed to and accepting of the technology,” she said.

Other findings from the survey showed that 50% of people believed humans were better drivers than computers, and that the majority of people were uncomfortable with sight-impaired or intoxicated people being the sole occupant of a driverless car.

The answers to one question may alarm car manufacturers, with 63% of respondents saying they should be held liable in the event of an accident that was clearly the fault of the driverless car.