Survey: Connected cars are safer, but raise privacy concerns

Survey: Connected cars are safer, but raise privacy concerns

Most Americans believe connected vehicle technology will make driving safer, but most are also concerned about security and privacy, according to a new survey by the University of Michigan.

The study, which surveyed nearly 1,600 online respondents, found most are concerned about system and vehicle security breaches from hackers and about data privacy in tracking speed and location. They are also worried about system failure and performance, especially during bad weather, and that drivers will rely too much on the technology or will be distracted by it.

On the upside, a majority believe connected vehicles will reduce the number and severity of crashes, improve emergency response times and result in better fuel economy. Other benefits the respondents expect from connected cars: less traffic congestion, shorter travel times and lower emissions. But only 27 percent of Americans surveyed had ever heard of connected vehicle technology.