5% of Americans say they’ve ridden in a driverless car

2026-07-01 · Source: Pew Research Center · Field: Technology & Digital — Robotics & Autonomous Systems, Emerging Technologies & Innovation · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, quick

Summary

A Pew Research Center survey conducted in February 2026 reveals that only 5% of U.S. adults have experienced a ride in a driverless car, with 93% reporting no such experience. The survey, which polled 5,119 U.S. adults from February 17-23, 2026, also found widespread discomfort with autonomous vehicles. A significant 71% of Americans stated they would be "not too" or "not at all" comfortable riding in a driverless car, including 43% who would be "not at all" comfortable. Conversely, only 7% would feel "extremely" or "very" comfortable. This lack of experience and discomfort is consistent across various demographic groups, such as age, income, and region. However, individuals who have ridden in a driverless car are significantly more comfortable, with 40% reporting extreme or very high comfort, compared to just 5% of those without prior experience.

Key takeaway

For autonomous vehicle developers and policymakers aiming for broader adoption, these survey results highlight a critical need to bridge the experience gap. You should prioritize initiatives that facilitate safe, accessible first-time rides to build public trust and comfort. Addressing the 71% discomfort rate requires transparent communication and direct exposure, as prior experience significantly increases user comfort. Focus on creating positive initial interactions to overcome widespread public apprehension.

Key insights

Despite their presence, most Americans lack experience with driverless cars and express significant discomfort, though prior ridership increases comfort.

Principles

• Direct experience significantly boosts comfort with new technology.
• Public adoption lags behind technological deployment.
• Initial public perception of emerging tech is often cautious.

In practice

• Offer trial rides to increase public comfort.
• Address public discomfort in autonomous vehicle messaging.
• Target early adopters for initial service expansion.

Topics

• Driverless Cars
• Autonomous Vehicles
• Public Perception
• Consumer Adoption
• Pew Research Center
• AI Technology

Best for: Investor, AI Product Manager, Product Manager, Policy Maker, Executive, General Interest

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Pew Research Center.