Brits undecided about technological advances in motoring

MANCHESTER, U.K. - Sept. 26, 2013 - PRLog -- With two motoring-related technological advances being announced - the EU is considering introducing satellite speed limiters that will limit the speed of all cars to 70 mph, and driverless vehicles may be introduced in the next decade - online car finance specialist Carfinance 247 asked British motorists what their views are.

The study* revealed that, when asked: Do you agree with the introduction of 70mph speed limiters being fitted to all new UK cars?

·        overall, the public were equally split, with 49% saying “yes” and 51% saying “no”;

·        69% of female drivers agreed to the introduction of speed limiters compared to just 34% of male motorists;

·        65% of those in the 30-39 age band were the most pro-speed limiters being introduced while those in both the 40-49 age bracket and those aged 50-59 were most against it (58% and 57% respectively);

·        63% of people said they felt that having 70mph speed limiters could actually be dangerous when driving (for example, when trying to overtake on a UK motorway).

The poll also asked: Driverless cars may be introduced in less than a decade - would you be comfortable in a self-driven vehicle?

·        over two thirds of respondents (69%) said “no”;

·        nearly a quarter of males (24%) said they would use a driverless vehicle compared to 40% of females;

·        nearly half those who answered said they felt that human error is less dangerous than computer error; and, that the idea is “too scary” and “like something out of a sci-fi film”;

·        32% said that it will create more unemployment.

32% also said that overall, they will add to a road users’ safety.

Emily Henshall, Marketing Manager, at Carfinance 247 (http://www.carfinance247.co.uk) says: “We all rely on technology in our everyday lives, from using computers, making calls, watching TV, and even simply boiling a kettle.  It is interesting that with travel, people will use a plane with autopilot but do not feel as comfortable using a car with the same functionality”.

Ends

*Survey carried out on behalf of Carfinance 247 by Usurv, September 2013