Are you too scared to ride in a self-driving car?

While most people may not be comfortable with the idea, testing of autonomous vehicles is already underway on the Ohio Turnpike and U.S. 33 in central Ohio. AAA’s survey of Ohio drivers shows that most motorists are still unsure about autonomous vehicle technology. Ohio drivers were asked:

If you were behind the wheel of an autonomous vehicle or self-driving car, do you think you would watch the road the same way you would as if you were in a vehicle where you have complete control of driving, or not?

• More than half (56 percent) of drivers think they would still watch the road while being behind the wheel of an autonomous vehicle or self-driving car the same way they would as if they were in a vehicle where they have complete control of driving.

• 39 percent said they do not think they would still watch the road while being behind the wheel of an autonomous vehicle or self-driving car the same way they would as if they were in a vehicle where they have complete control of driving.

• 4 percent were not sure.

How soon can you imagine routinely riding in a fully autonomous or self-driving vehicle?

In three years: 10 percent; Within seven years: 16 percent; Within 10 years: 23 percent; Longer than 10 years from now: 17 percent; Never: 30 percent; Not sure: 5 percent

In order for an autonomous vehicle to operate, it needs to exchange data regularly with other vehicles and infrastructure. How concerned are you about the security of data sent to and from autonomous vehicles?

Very concerned: 62 percent; Somewhat concerned: 24 percent; Somewhat unconcerned: 7 percent; Not at all concerned: 5 percent; Not sure: 3 percent.

The latest research shows that most roadway crashes are caused by human error. What impact, if any, do you believe autonomous vehicle technology will have on roadway crashes: Do you think it will result in fewer crashes, more crashes, or will it not have an impact on crash statistics?

Fewer crashes: 33 percent; More crashes: 38 percent; No impact on crash statistics: 17 percent; Not sure: 12 percent.

When it comes to self-driving cars, what would you say is the factor that influences your opinion the most: the brand of the vehicle; what family, friends, colleagues and neighbors say; news reports; advertising; social media; or something else?

Brand of the vehicle: 21 percent; What family, friends, colleagues and neighbors say: 13 percent; News reports: 23 percent; Advertising: 3 percent; Social media: 4 percent; Something else: 28 percent; Not sure: 8 percent

As automakers press forward in the development of autonomous vehicles, AAA urges the gradual, safe introduction of these technologies to ensure that American drivers are informed, prepared and comfortable with this shift in mobility. AAA will continue to work with stakeholders on a national, state and local level to support the research and public education of autonomous vehicle technology to ensure the safety of all road users.