Proper education on autonomous vehicle technology is essential to ensure its safe use and alleviate driver anxieties.

The car industry is investing billions into developing self-driving cars, which could slash the number of collisions. But this will only happen if the new systems are used correctly

The call comes from road safety charity IAM RoadSmart as it reveals that the majority of drivers aren’t actually supportive of such technology, despite its huge potential to improve road safety.

A total of 59% of drivers said that the growing ability of vehicles to drive themselves is a serious risk to their personal safety in a survey carried out by the charity.

The research, conducted for IAM’s annual Safety Culture Report, also found that opinions didn’t vary much by age, but women were particularly concerned, with 67% rating it as a threat.

The car industry is investing billions into the development of self-driving cars, which could drastically reduce the number of collisions on UK roads.

But this will only happen if the new systems are used correctly, which will only be achieved through effective driver education and correct marketing campaigns which help motorists understand the technology’s capabilities and limitations.

Neil Greig, director of policy and research at IAM RoadSmart, said: “Perhaps due to misinformation and an overabundance of technical jargon, the public still remains to be fully convinced new technology which in theory has the potential to reduce many collisions on Britain’s roads, saving thousands of deaths and injuries.

“In order for this trust to be gained, we recommend that proper education of automated technology is included in the UK driving test, giving motorists the opportunity to learn about how it works, which will at least go some way towards alleviating the anxieties many understandably have at present.”

But Greig also pointed out that drivers must also recognise an overreliance on these systems could also have a negative impact on road safety, with “potentially worrying” results for both motorists and pedestrians.

IAM RoadSmart’s call for education is heightened by the fact that the UK has given the green light to self-driving on motorways using systems such as ALKS (Automatic Lane Keeping Assist).

Predictions vary but it’s generally accepted that one in 10 of all vehicles will be at least partially autonomous by 2030.

Greig concluded: “With Britain being the first to support the roll out of autonomous vehicles on public roads, as well as the growth of the industry, it is surely only a matter of time before autonomous vehicles become a very common sight on Britain’s roads. This makes our call for more education all the more important, ensuring we all remain in the right lane and make Britain’s roads as safe as they can be.”

• IAM RoadSmart will be attending this month’s Great British Fleet Event, talking about a number of different fleet risk management issues. For more details on the show and to register to attend for free, click here.