Question of the Day? Have You Changed Your Mind About Self-Driving Cars?

by Michael Strong

Published: September 30th, 2026

question of the day have you changed your mind about self driving cars

If you’re familiar with the phrase, “Over my dead body,” then you’ve probably talked to someone about buying an autonomous vehicle in the last decade or so.

Americans like to drive. They very often bond with their vehicles in ways that other cultures do not. But when the word “Americana” scrolls across your computer screen, visions of the open road are likely among the first visages that hit your brain. That emotional tie is one of the reasons why acceptance of autonomous vehicles has been a slow climb.

Well, that and movies showing hackers taking over everything from school records to cars and planes in crowded areas demanding ransom or seeking revenge. But as the technology’s improved — and gotten more exposure — the comfort level of Americans with it has risen.

A new study from Cox Automotive shows that during the past 10 years, Americans are much more familiar with and accepting of autonomous vehicles, but there is a caveat: autonomy levels that preserve the option for human control. So are you ready to let your car drive itself? Why? Why not?

[Images: Zoox, Cox Automotive]

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#selfdrivingcars #AutonomousVehicles #trustinselfdrivingvehicles #CoxAutomotivestudy

Michael Strong

Michael Strong has spent more than 25 years writing about the automotive industry. A Detroit-area native, he’s written about everything from local car shows to product reviews to financial news. Currently he writes and edits for a variety of national and local publications. He’s also a longtime member of the Automotive Press Association and the International Motor Press Association, and a graduate of Georgia Southern University. Hail Southern! Despite a love for ’70s land yachts and BMWs from the late ’80s and early ’90s, his personal vehicle is neither of those.

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2 of 24 comments

Jeff S on Oct 01, 2026

As self driving improves I would not be opposed to having it in the future but for now I don't need it.

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Lloyd S on Oct 01, 2026

I really don't think about them at all

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