Self-driving cars. Are they scary?

Maybe to some, but according to the American Automobile Association's 2018 Autonomous Vehicle Survey, the number of those afraid to ride in these driverless carriages is dropping.

The survey revealed that last year, 78 percent of motorists said they would be afraid to ride in a self-driving car. This year, 63 percent of motorists felt that way, meaning an additional 20 million drivers are willing to give driverless cars a try.

"It’s a significant change that is likely the result of increased public awareness,” said a news release issued by AAA.

Many North Idahoans are reflecting that changing attitude.

Becki Oh of Coeur d'Alene gave a confident "no" Wednesday when asked if she would be afraid to ride in an autonomous vehicle.

She said she thinks the probability of getting into a wreck in a self-driven or human-driven car is the same.

"I know people always say that 'This new technology can’t be trusted; it’s not safe,' but I think that since it’s all so new, we also have trouble knowing or might be skeptical about it," Oh said. "I think it might even be better or just about the same, so I don’t see anything wrong with it."

Ken Davidson of Coeur d'Alene said the infrastructure and taxpayer money that would probably be used to implement the autonomous vehicles would be of more concern than being a passenger in them.

"I wouldn't say I'm afraid. I guess I'm just a little skeptical," he said. "The only people who would be driving them would probably be people who actually had money. Maybe if it was a private industry, a free market that decided to put them in in their part of town, ‘OK, everyone in this area, we’re going to pool our money there because we’re affluent enough that we can afford these cars.’ I would be for that.

“I’m not afraid that I would crash and die so much, although that definitely is in the back of your mind," he continued. "Stuff isn’t worked out yet. Maybe it is in the CIA or military budget or something, but down to our level, the bugs aren’t worked out in the stuff that is supposed to work, so I definitely would have that concern."

Coeur d'Alene resident David Johnston prefers to still do some things the old-fashioned way.

“I’m a Mustang guy and I’m a car driver, and I buy them to drive them," he said. "My brother is an engineer for Intel and he makes the chips (for autonomous vehicles), so I know the industry has expanded by leaps and bounds. He and I argue because I don’t have an e-reader. I only use a computer because I have to and I still buy hardcover books because I enjoy them."

But is he concerned as a passenger?

"No," he said. "I think they're safe."

Brian Heid of Coeur d'Alene was more on the cautious side. He said he's worried about the damage and injury that could happen.

"I would be afraid to ride in them because of all the kids and families out there and not being able to stop at crosswalks,” he said. “If it’s too small of a car, I wouldn’t trust it as much just in case it’ll break down or someone will hit you with their car, but if it was bigger and bulkier, you’d probably be safer.”

The idea of driverless vehicles has become less anxiety-inducing as the subject has gained more attention.

"The concept has been fairly well-publicized, and no longer seems like something from the pages of a science fiction book,” said AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. "It’s a good time for stakeholders to work together to establish a common vocabulary, develop clear safety standards and set test parameters that move the technology safely forward."

Although riding in self-driving vehicles is losing its fear factor, the AAA survey found that the majority of U.S. drivers aren't ready to drive alongside them. Only 13 percent of those surveyed said they'd feel safer sharing the road with them while 46 percent said they'd feel less safe.

Almost three-quarters of women surveyed are worried about riding in these cars while only 52 percent of men shared those concerns. Baby Boomers are the least trusting of the technology while Millenials have embraced it.

"Continued education, exposure and thoughtful research are needed to keep the roads safe while exploring the potential safety benefits and conveniences of self-driving cars,” Conde said.

According to AAA, more than 90 percent of vehicle crashes involve human error, but 73 percent of U.S. drivers consider themselves to be better than average.

Previous testing of automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, self-parking technology and lane assist systems points to a promising future, the AAA release reads.

"AAA is pleased to take part in Gov. Otter’s recently-appointed Autonomous and Connected Vehicle Deployment Committee," Conde said. "We’ve got a lot to learn before we turn full-time driving control over to our vehicles, and it’s an exciting time to be involved in the process."