New technology could lead to a rise in drink-driving, according to the latest survey of attitudes behind the wheel.
Definitive research from The Co-operative Insurance has found many young drivers are misguided when it comes to driverless technology as a new report ‘Young people in the driving seat’ reveals a range of misconceptions, many with potentially serious consequences.
Despite young people often embracing new technology quickly, it seems as though driverless cars are testing many to their limits. Over half, (55%) think driverless technology is not appealing, as opposed to (37%) who are welcoming it.
Over a fifth (22%) believe whilst behind the wheel, they will be free to consume as much alcohol as they want, whilst nearly a quarter (24%) think they will be able to have a snooze, at the same time as being driven around in the safety of the vehicle.
In reality, it isn’t as simple as getting in your vehicle and being driven around, drivers need to be seated in the driver’s seat at all times, adhering to the laws of the road, whilst being capable of taking over immediate manual control, in the event of a technology failure or other emergency.
Steve Kerrigan, Head of Telematics at The Co-operative Insurance, said, “This research has shown that young drivers are unprepared and uninformed about self-driving cars. Many even mistakenly believe that you will be able to drink alcohol and sleep it off whilst you are driven home.
“Driverless cars are no longer the stuff of science fiction and are set to be on the roads in the next few years. It’s important that drivers are educated about what they can and can’t do in driverless cars, in addition to how the technology works, before they can get behind the wheel.”
