This article is reprinted from the Intel Knowledge Public Account.
While perfect autonomous driving technology is a major step forward, it's not enough on its own. Our self-driving car technology has made great progress, but without passenger trust, full autonomy will remain a challenge. When a self-driving car takes you on the road, having a driver behind the wheel can make passengers feel more at ease. But what happens when there’s no one in the driver’s seat? Would you still get in?

The future of autonomous vehicles is full of promise—but also some awkward moments. Experts believe that removing human drivers could save countless lives and make travel safer. However, the gap between theory and reality lies in people’s fear and distrust of robot cars. A recent AAA survey found that 75% of Americans are afraid to ride in a self-driving car.
The good news is that this issue is solvable. Intel believes that by creating an interactive experience between the car and the passenger, we can help reduce fears and build trust. This kind of experience can provide clear information and make people feel safe—essentially, trustworthy. Our “Trusted Interactive Survey†with self-driving car users highlights this potential.
We conducted limited, qualitative research with people who had never seen or used a self-driving car before. They were invited to take a test ride in an autonomous vehicle and share their experience. We designed five key scenarios for trust and interaction: calling the car, starting the journey, changing routes, handling errors or emergencies, and parking and exiting. We asked questions before and after the ride and recorded their reactions throughout.
Although the study was small, the results were consistent. Each participant showed a significant increase in trust by the end of the ride. Even those who were initially hesitant admitted that self-driving cars are a safer option and expressed optimism about the future of this market.
While these findings are promising, they’re just the beginning. Our survey identified seven “critical points†of trust worth further exploration. Intel will continue to study user experiences and share our insights with industry partners. As the first driverless cars hit the roads, our research will help ensure they are reliable, safe, and trusted by the public.
Here are some of the key trust points identified:
**Human Judgment vs. Machine Judgment**
Participants were concerned about how self-driving cars would handle ambiguous situations—like a pedestrian suddenly crossing the street or another driver speeding up. Yet, they also believed that eliminating human error could make these vehicles safer and more reliable.
**Lack of Assistance vs. Personalized Space**
Many people enjoy the freedom of having time to themselves during a self-driving ride. However, others worry about not being able to interact with a driver. For parents, a self-driving car that picks up a child alone is a big plus—no strangers in the car. Still, concerns remain about accountability and accessibility for people with disabilities.
**Conscious vs. Excessive Information**
Most participants felt a learning curve was needed to adapt to the system. Once trust grew, however, too many warnings and messages became annoying. While safety tips are useful, people don’t want to be overwhelmed with unnecessary details.
**Give Up Control vs. Control from a New Level**
For some, sitting in a car without any control is unsettling. Seeing an empty driver’s seat can cause anxiety. Participants suggested removing traditional design elements to ease tension. At the same time, they valued new control options like using a mobile device to call and unlock the car, reducing stress and increasing comfort.

**Learn How It Works vs. Prove Its Effectiveness**
Understanding how the technology works is crucial for trust. Seeing the car perceive and react to its surroundings helps build confidence. Transparency in the HMI (Human-Machine Interface) is therefore essential.
**Tell Me vs. Listen to Me**
Participants appreciated when the car spoke in a calming tone. Many wished they could talk to the system as well—something not tested in this study. Being able to communicate with the car, especially during route changes or weather shifts, could be a big advantage.

**Obey the Rules of the Machine vs. Human Interpretation of the Rules**
While safety is the top concern, participants’ understanding of it was nuanced. Some admitted they didn’t always follow traffic rules themselves, like speeding on empty roads or eating while driving. They recognized that adapting to a system that strictly follows the law would be a challenge—but one worth embracing.
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