U.S. — A recent survey indicates that most U.S. adults have not ridden in a driverless car and express discomfort with the idea. The Pew Research Center conducted a survey of 5,119 U.S. adults between February 17 and February 23, 2026, to assess their experiences and comfort levels regarding driverless vehicles.

The findings show that 93% of U.S. adults reported never having taken a ride in a driverless car. Conversely, 5% of U.S. adults indicated they have experienced a ride in such a vehicle.

Regarding comfort, 71% of U.S. adults stated they would be either not too comfortable or not at all comfortable riding in a driverless car. Within this group, 43% specifically said they would be not at all comfortable. In contrast, 7% of U.S. adults reported they would be extremely or very comfortable, with another 16% indicating they would be somewhat comfortable.

The survey also showed differences in comfort levels based on prior experience. Among adults who have traveled in a driverless car, 40% said they would be extremely or very comfortable riding in one. However, among adults who have not ridden in a driverless car, only 5% reported they would be extremely or very comfortable.

The data collection involved a representative sample of U.S. adults to ensure the findings reflect national trends. The survey methodology included questions about both past experiences with autonomous vehicles and hypothetical future usage scenarios. Respondents were asked to rate their comfort on a scale ranging from not at all comfortable to extremely comfortable. The results highlight a significant gap between current adoption rates and public sentiment toward the technology. Further analysis of the data breaks down responses by demographic groups, including age and geographic location. The center plans to release additional reports on related transportation technologies in the coming months. These findings contribute to the ongoing discussion about the integration of autonomous systems into public infrastructure. Safety remains a primary concern for many respondents who expressed low comfort levels. The survey results will be used by policymakers and industry leaders to gauge public readiness for wider deployment of driverless cars.