A third of French people are ready to use an autonomous car, according to the Syntec Numérique Odoxa survey

Far from thinking that this type of vehicle is the stuff of movies and science fiction, a majority of the population believes that industrialization is inevitable and the benefits numerous.

The French and the autonomous car

• 34% believe that autonomous cars will become widespread by 2030.
• Safety is the main benefit for 40% of the population.
• On the other hand, legal liability in the event of an accident is the main limitation for 45% of French people.

Autonomous cars to become widespread within the next fifteen years

57% of French people agree that autonomous cars will one day be available to the majority of people. When it comes to the timeframe, however, they are more reserved: 5% believe it will happen by 2020, 18% by 2030, but the largest contingent (34%) can’t imagine French roads being criss-crossed by intelligent, connected cars before at least 2030. At present, almost a third (36%) would be comfortable with the idea of sitting in the driver’s seat without having to hold the wheel.

Greater safety, less traffic jams and parking problems

Only 17% of French people see in the connected car the advantage of being able to enjoy new activities during the journey. They’re pragmatic: it’s all about getting around.

They expect greater safety from this innovation, with human error eliminated (40%), but also simplification of parking problems, with the car able to drop them off to park further away (32%).