A STUDY of 2,000 UK motorists for Continental Tyres, the leading tyre and technology manufacturer, has revealed that many drivers are still wary of the impact that new technology may have on their driving behaviour.

In fact, they don’t want future car technology to prevent them from breaking the law – like speeding or illegally using a phone.

Mark Griffiths, safety expert at Continental Tyres, said: “Our research found that motorists are yet to be convinced of the value of greater automation – like reduced congestion, improved road safety and cleaner motoring.”

The study was part of the company’s Vision Zero, a commitment to reduce traffic fatalities worldwide through driver education, premium tyres and automotive systems.

The study also revealed drivers believe that fewer road accidents and fatalities will be delivered by improving the actions of road users, rather than automotive advances – pointing to a lack of trust in technology.

“As a safety-focused brand,” continued Griffiths, “we recognise it is the responsibility of technology businesses, like Continental, to communicate the very positive benefits that can be delivered. Not doing this effectively is undermining people’s trust in automotive technology.”

Three quarters of those surveyed who said they have no trust in driving advances said it was because they feared it would not work or would break down. Even with something like Autonomous Emergency Braking, an already proven system, nearly twice as many motorists do not trust the technology as those who do.

“Not only are motorists wary of new automotive systems, but nearly one in three said they will miss the experience of driving when cars are fully automated,” comments Griffiths.

“The more that automotive and technology businesses can do to educate road users of the benefits to our everyday lives, and as they begin to experience new vehicle technology, the more people are likely to trust greater automation as they would traditional car features like seatbelts and tyres.”