ANN ARBOR – While only a small percentage of drivers say

they would be completely comfortable in a driverless car, a sizable amount

would have no problem as long as they retain some control, according to a

University of Michigan report.

Researchers Brandon Schoettle and Michael Sivak of the U-M

Transportation Research Institute examined motorists’ preferences for vehicle

automation, including their overall concern about riding in self-driving cars.

They surveyed 505 licensed drivers and found about 44

percent prefer to retain full control while driving. Nearly 16 percent would

rather ride in a completely self-driving vehicle, while almost 41 percent said

they prefer a partially self-driving vehicle with only occasional control by

the driver.

Male drivers and drivers under 45 are more likely to favor

partially or completely self-driving vehicles, the researchers say.

“Self-driving vehicles are often discussed in regard

to their potential safety, energy-consumption and environmental benefits, or

the existing technical challenges that must be overcome for their successful

implementation,” Schoettle said. “However, less attention has been

paid to considering the actual level of automation, if any, that drivers desire

in their vehicle.”

While about two-thirds of those surveyed said they are at

least moderately concerned about riding in completely self-driving vehicles,

that percentage drops to less than half for partially self-driving cars. Women

and those 45 and older are more apt to have concerns with either level of

automation.

According to the U-M report, nearly all respondents (96

percent) would want to have a steering wheel and gas and brake pedals available

in completely self-driving vehicles.

As for partially self-driving vehicles, 59 percent of those

surveyed said they prefer a combination of three warning modes (sound, visual,

vibration) to notify drivers when to take control of the vehicle. About 19

percent thought that sound and visuals would be enough.

Schoettle and Sivak defined the three levels of automation

as:

Completely self-driving: The vehicle will control all

safety-critical functions, even allowing the vehicle to travel without a

passenger if required.

Partially self-driving: The driver will be able to hand

over control of all safety-critical functions to the vehicle; only occasional

control by the driver will be required.

No self-driving: The driver will always be in complete

control of all safety functions, but the driver will be assisted with various

advanced technologies.