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In the United States, public views on driverless cars and self-driving vehicles are mixed but generally cautious, with a significant portion of the population expressing discomfort and distrust.
According to a recent survey by the University of Massachusetts Lowell, Western New England University, and the University of New Hampshire, only 5% of Americans have ever been a passenger in a driverless or autonomous vehicle, and 87% have neither experienced it nor know anyone who has. This limited direct exposure contributes to public wariness. Correspondingly, 66% of Americans report feeling uncomfortable riding in autonomous vehicles, while only 17% say they are comfortable.
Trust in the technology remains low. Only 13% of U.S. consumers currently trust riding in autonomous vehicles, largely due to concerns about the lack of human control and unpredictability in complex situations. A notable portion of the public (43%) even believes autonomous vehicles should be illegal.
Despite low trust, studies show driverless cars can be significantly safer than human-driven vehicles. For example, Waymo’s research indicates 92% fewer pedestrian injury crashes and 96% fewer vehicle collisions at intersections with autonomous vehicles compared to human drivers. Human error accounts for 90% of accidents. However, public opinion is influenced more strongly by highly publicized glitches and incidents than by safety data.
Despite these concerns, almost half of Americans (46%) believe that self-driving cars will be widely available and safe by 2035. When "not sure" respondents are excluded, a clear majority expect widespread availability in the foreseeable future. Only 13% believe autonomous vehicles will never be widely available and safe.
Reflecting growing technological maturity, 25 U.S. states introduced legislation in 2025 focused on driverless vehicle licensing, insurance, and testing regulations. States like Arizona and Nevada have passed laws regulating these vehicles, indicating government responsiveness to the technology’s deployment and related risks.
Automakers are advancing driverless technology with varying approaches. Mercedes became the first U.S. automaker to offer certified Level 3 autonomous driving systems to consumers, emphasizing a safety-first and regulatory-compliant rollout. Tesla, while popular and data-driven, faces competition from firms prioritizing cautious regulatory approval.
In summary, American public opinion in 2025 reveals a cautious and largely uncomfortable stance toward driverless cars rooted in low exposure and trust, tempered by growing optimism for mainstream use by 2035. Safety data supports potential benefits, while regulatory and industry developments continue to pave the way for adoption.
For those interested in staying updated on the latest polls around the country, follow the weekly podcast "Politics. Policy. Polling. Pop Culture." hosted by the bipartisan team of Margie Omero and Kristen Soltis Anderson. The podcast takes a fresh, friendly look at the numbers driving the week's biggest stories in news, politics, tech, entertainment, and pop culture.
[1] University of Massachusetts Lowell, Western New England University, and the University of New Hampshire. (2025). Polling insights on voter shifts, New England's voter behavior, and key presidential primary data. [2] Gallup. (2025). Majority of Americans fear riding in self-driving cars. [3] National Conference of State Legislatures. (2025). State legislation on driverless vehicles in 2025. [4] Waymo. (2025). Safety data on autonomous vehicles. [5] Civilized. (2025). New cannabis culture poll debunks stereotypes and shows overwhelming support for legalization.
- University research indicates that most Americans have limited exposure to driverless cars, leading to feelings of unease and low trust.
- A significant portion of the public expresses discomfort and distrust towards self-driving vehicles, with only 13% currently trusting the technology.
- Despite these concerns, almost half of Americans believe that self-driving cars will be widely available and safe by 2035.
- Studies show that driverless cars can be significantly safer than human-driven vehicles, with reduced pedestrian injury crashes and vehicle collisions at intersections.
- In response to the growing technology, 25 U.S. states introduced legislation in 2025 focused on driverless vehicle licensing, insurance, and testing regulations.
- News coverage of glitches and incidents in driverless vehicles has a stronger impact on public opinion than safety data does.
- Podcasts like "Politics. Policy. Polling. Pop Culture." provide weekly updates on the latest polls and public opinions on various topics, including driverless cars.
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