# Australian Trust in Autonomous Vehicles Hits Record Low Survey shows only 17.5% of Australians trust self-driving technology. - **Source:** [techAU](https://techau.com.au) - **Published:** 2026-09-25 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/731ff76f-a895-4236-b652-e9e829137e19 ## Trust in Autonomous Vehicles A recent survey by Savvy indicates that only 17.5% of Australians trust autonomous driving technology. This marks a significant drop in confidence despite global advancements in self-driving tech. The decline in trust comes at a time when electric vehicle sales are hitting record highs in Australia. The survey highlights a growing skepticism towards autonomous vehicles among the public. ## Global vs Local Trends While autonomous vehicle technology is advancing rapidly worldwide, Australia lags in public acceptance. The survey data contrasts sharply with global trends where self-driving tech is gaining traction. This discrepancy raises questions about the factors influencing Australian sentiment. Local regulatory delays and lack of clear legislation may be contributing to the skepticism. ## Impact of Legislation The absence of comprehensive legislation for autonomous vehicles in Australia is a significant barrier. Without clear regulations, public trust remains low. The survey underscores the need for government action to establish frameworks that ensure safety and reliability. Legislative clarity could potentially reverse the declining trust in self-driving technology. ## Electric Vehicle Sales Despite the skepticism towards autonomous vehicles, electric vehicle sales in Australia are breaking records. This indicates a growing acceptance of alternative vehicle technologies. However, the disconnect between EV adoption and AV trust suggests different factors are at play. The public may be more comfortable with electric vehicles due to their immediate benefits and established infrastructure. ## Public Perception The survey reveals a deep-seated skepticism among Australians towards autonomous vehicles. Concerns about safety and reliability are likely driving this sentiment. The lack of firsthand experience with self-driving technology may also contribute to the distrust. Public perception will be crucial in shaping the future of autonomous vehicles in Australia. ## Industry Response The automotive industry must address the growing distrust in autonomous vehicles. Companies need to focus on transparency and education to rebuild public confidence. Demonstrating the safety and benefits of self-driving technology through pilot programs could help. Industry leaders should also advocate for regulatory support to facilitate AV adoption. ## Future Outlook The future of autonomous vehicles in Australia hinges on public trust and regulatory support. Without addressing these issues, the adoption of self-driving technology may stall. The survey serves as a wake-up call for both the industry and policymakers. Collaborative efforts are needed to overcome the current barriers and pave the way for AV integration. ## Key Takeaways The survey highlights a critical juncture for autonomous vehicles in Australia. Public trust is at an all-time low, and regulatory delays are exacerbating the issue. The automotive industry and government must work together to address these challenges. Building confidence through education, transparency, and legislation will be essential for the future of AVs in Australia. ## Sources covering this story - https://techau.com.au/australian-sentiment-drops-autonomous-vehicles-as-we-wait-for-av-legislation-and-entrants/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._