Mike Mareen AdobeStock_381902807_Editorial_Use_Onl
The U.S. Department of Transportation believes automated driving systems will become the norm, improving road safety, pollution, traffic congestion, and the like.
Yet, 52% of those in the transportation industry said they are uncomfortable with the idea of riding in an autonomous truck, according to a survey from JW Surety Bonds.
“Current transportation industry workers are somewhat optimistic about autonomous trucking, but many still worry about safety, high costs, and impacts on human job security. As with most new technologies, being willing to adapt and learn are key to staying relevant in an ever-changing world,” says JW Surety Bonds.
From JW Surety Bonds:
- 43% believe autonomous trucks will be more dangerous than those driven by humans; only 28% believe they will be safer.
- 46% believe that “autonomous only” lanes would make driving safer.
- 61% think autonomous dispatch management could benefit the trucking industry, and 53% are interested in upskilling to work with autonomous technology.
- According to those in transportation, the top potential benefits of autonomous trucks are increased productivity with 24/7 operations (70%); reduced operational costs (58%); and increased capacity for long-haul trips (53%).
- 53% of those in the transportation industry do not believe autonomous trucks will ever fully replace human drivers. However, 86% think autonomous trucks will have a negative impact on truck drivers’ job security.
- The majority of people in the transportation industry (70%) believe autonomous trucks will become entirely mainstream within 20 years.
- 78% of those surveyed think the transportation industry isn’t well-prepared for the transition to autonomous trucks, with the biggest challenges being safety and reliability concerns regarding autonomous technology (70%); high implementation and maintenance costs (59%); legal and regulatory challenges (56%); and job displacement and re-training needs for current truck drivers (51%).
- Over two in five respondents believe that addressing cybersecurity concerns is one of the biggest challenges of implementing autonomous trucks.
