Why Many People Still Distrust Self-Driving Cars
BUSINESS
5/15/2026
WARM-UP
Answer quickly. No right or wrong answers.
Do you enjoy driving or being a passenger?
Would you trust a car without a human driver?
Do you think technology makes transportation safer?
VOCABULARY
Essential (A1–B1)
car – a road vehicle with four wheels
Example: Many people drive a car to work every day.
driver – a person who controls a vehicle
Example: The driver stopped at the traffic light.
accident – an unexpected crash or problem
Example: Thankfully, nobody was hurt in the accident.
safe – not dangerous
Example: Some people do not think self-driving cars are safe.
technology – machines or systems created using science
Example: Modern technology is changing transportation.
Developed (B2–C2)
self-driving – able to operate without a human driver
Example: Self-driving vehicles use artificial intelligence to navigate roads.
autonomous – operating independently without human control
Example: Many companies are investing in autonomous transportation systems.
reliability – the quality of being dependable or trustworthy
Example: People still question the reliability of self-driving cars.
cautious – careful in order to avoid danger or mistakes
Example: Consumers remain cautious about adopting new driving technology.
artificial intelligence – computer systems designed to perform human-like tasks
Example: Artificial intelligence allows vehicles to react to road conditions.
public perception – the general opinion people have about something
Example: News reports about crashes can negatively affect public perception.
READING
Introduction
“Self-driving cars are becoming more common around the world. However, many people still do not trust the technology completely. This text explains why opinions remain divided.”
(Read at your level. Do not translate every word.)
Article (All Levels)
Self-driving cars are becoming more common in the United States. Many people believe they will appear more often on roads in the future.
However, most Americans still prefer cars they can drive themselves. Many people are worried about safety and accidents involving self-driving vehicles.
Although the technology has improved, only a small number of people say they want to buy or lease a self-driving car.
Some studies say self-driving cars may be safer than human drivers in many situations, but people still do not fully trust them.
Developed Article (B1–C2)
Recent surveys show that although Americans expect autonomous vehicles to become more common, most still prefer traditional cars they can control themselves.
Concerns about reliability and safety continue to influence public perception, especially after media coverage of accidents involving self-driving vehicles.
Research published in Nature Communications suggested that autonomous vehicles may perform more safely than human drivers overall. However, they can still struggle in specific traffic conditions and unpredictable situations.
As artificial intelligence continues to develop, experts believe public trust will play a major role in determining whether self-driving transportation becomes widely accepted.
COMPREHENSION CHECK
(Answer based on your level.)
A1–A2
Do most Americans want self-driving cars?
Why are some people worried about self-driving cars?
Have self-driving cars become more common?
B1–B2
Why do many people still prefer traditional cars?
How do accidents affect public perception of self-driving vehicles?
According to studies, are self-driving cars always safer?
C1–C2
How could public trust influence the future of autonomous vehicles?
Why do people remain cautious despite technological improvements?
What challenges do self-driving cars still face in real-world conditions?
SPEAKING
(Choose a question level.)
A1–A2 — Foundation
Tip: Use sentence starters for all personal questions. It encourages structured, fluent speech.
(Answer + 1 reason)
“I think ___ because ___.”
“One problem is ___.”
“I feel safe when ___.”
“This technology is ___.”
Personal Questions
Would you like to ride in a self-driving car?
Do you enjoy driving?
Do you think technology improves daily life?
Are you a cautious passenger?
Have you ever been in a car accident?
Do you trust artificial intelligence?
Would self-driving cars reduce stress while traveling?
Do you think roads are dangerous today?
Would you lease a self-driving car?
Do you think humans or machines drive better?
Is traffic stressful in your city?
Do you enjoy long car journeys?
Would older people trust self-driving cars?
Do you think self-driving taxis will become normal?
Would you feel nervous in an autonomous vehicle?
B1–B2 — Expansion
Tip: Use sentence starters for all personal questions. It encourages structured, fluent speech.
(Answer + reason + 2 details)
“I feel ___ because ___; for example, ___ and ___.”
“One challenge is ___, which affects ___ and ___.”
“I am concerned about ___ because ___; in particular, ___ and ___.”
“This situation makes people feel ___, especially when ___ and ___.”
Personal Questions
Why do many people distrust self-driving cars?
How could autonomous vehicles improve transportation?
What risks are associated with self-driving technology?
How does media coverage influence public perception?
Would you trust artificial intelligence with your safety?
How might self-driving cars change cities?
Could autonomous vehicles reduce traffic accidents?
Why do some people prefer traditional driving?
How could self-driving cars help elderly people?
Would you feel comfortable sleeping in an autonomous vehicle?
How important is reliability in transportation technology?
Could self-driving cars replace human drivers completely?
How might self-driving taxis affect jobs?
What situations might confuse autonomous vehicles?
Do benefits of self-driving cars outweigh the risks?
C1–C2 — Depth & Reflection
Tip: Use sentence starters for all personal questions. It encourages structured, fluent speech.
(Reason + multiple details + consequence or reflection)
“I feel ___ because ___; for instance, ___, ___, and ___; as a result, ___.”
“One significant issue is ___, which influences ___ and ___; however, ___.”
“I am concerned about ___ because ___, including ___ and ___; this leads me to ___.”
“I think the future of transportation is ___ because ___, especially considering ___ and ___; ultimately, ___.”
Personal Questions
How could autonomous vehicles reshape society and urban life?
To what extent should artificial intelligence control transportation systems?
Why is public trust essential for technological adoption?
Could self-driving vehicles eventually eliminate human driving?
What ethical concerns surround autonomous transportation?
How should governments regulate self-driving technology?
Could artificial intelligence make roads significantly safer?
How might autonomous vehicles affect employment worldwide?
Should humans always remain in control of important technology?
How could self-driving technology change personal freedom and mobility?
Why do people often fear technological change?
How might autonomous transportation affect environmental sustainability?
Could overreliance on technology create new dangers?
What responsibilities should companies have after accidents involving AI?
In your opinion, will society fully accept self-driving cars in the future?
