OPINION PIECE The following is on behalf of Executive Director, Ms Rita Excell from the Australia and New Zealand Driverless Vehicle Initiative (ADVI):

The article “Startup wheels out oldest fans” published in The Australian on 1 March 2019 provides interesting insight into the preparedness of older community members in Florida to embrace driverless vehicles. It shows that when people are provided opportunity to experience this technology first-hand they can appreciate the mobility benefits on offer and embrace new ways to get around.

But when you compare the US experience with ADVI’s own survey of older people living in Australia and New Zealand it drives home the message that more needs to be done locally to engage people and let them experience this technology as part of their everyday living.

One of the major benefits yet to enjoy the limelight is the new era of mobility for those who are vision impaired, ageing, living with a disability, or have some type of medical condition that prevents them from owning a driver’s licence. In fact, 82% of people recognise that the greatest benefit from self-driving vehicles is mobility for people with driving impairments or restrictions.

The irony that challenges such a widely-held supportive view is that ADVI’s survey has found that very people who stand to benefit the most are actually the least supportive of driverless vehicles. That mindset must be challenged by better showcasing this technology.

In what can be regarded as the largest scientific survey ever undertaken, ADVI recently asked 5,102 Australians and 1,049 New Zealanders of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life to share their thoughts, issues and concerns about driverless vehicles.

The results provide for interesting reading and underline the need for the nation to up the ante when it comes to the commercial deployment of driverless vehicles onto our roads.

Overall, ADVI’s survey results suggested that older people are less accepting of automated vehicles than their younger colleagues. They perceive less benefits from automated vehicles, had more concerns than younger counterparts and were less comfortable with a vehicle performing a number of driving tasks. They were less likely to use an automated vehicle in different conditions and had a lower willingness to pay for AV-related technology.

The survey also found that older people were less likely than younger ones to be interested in buying a vehicle that is wirelessly connected to other vehicles and road infrastructure or pay more for a vehicle with these features.

There is no doubt that older drivers are an important cohort set to enjoy enhanced mobility thanks to AV technology, but ADVI’s survey results clearly show that older people from across Australia and New Zealand are not being provided an opportunity to experience the range of benefits on offer through this exciting technology when compared to their US counterparts.

The clock is ticking.

It is insights and acceptance levels demonstrated from older Florida residents that highlight how Australia is at real risk of slipping more and more behind the rest of the world in the pursuit to commercialise driverless vehicles.

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About the Australia and New Zealand Driverless Vehicle Initiative (ADVI)ADVI is the peak body that spans the wide ecosystem of driverless vehicles in Australia and New Zealand. With a membership of more than 120 leading organisations across a wide range of sectors, ADVI offers a unique opportunity for partners to collaborate with Governments, Industry and researchers, to position Australia and New Zealand amongst the world leaders in the development and deployment of driverless technology. ADVI’s education, advocacy and demonstration efforts help to inform and raise awareness, encourage community acceptance, and ensure understanding of the economic, environmental and lifestyle benefits of driverless vehicles.

For an interview, please contact Adam Thomson on 0430 420 120 or adam@leveragepr.com.au

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