High schoolers not that thilled about self-driving cars

The prospect of self-driving cars may have captivated the interest of jaded commuters, but high school students in the U.S. — those just getting their driver's licenses — sound less interested in a new survey.

Some 72% — almost three out of four — high school-age youths would rather have a car they can drive themselves. Only 28% say they would rather have a car that pilots itself, the survey by tracking firm Nielsen finds. Middle and elementary school students were inclined to prefer a self-driving vehicle.

More teens in high school say self-driving cars are unnecessary (34%) than those saying they are "insanely cool" (30%). The study surveyed 1,133 youth ages 8 to 18.

The findings are in keeping with another recent survey that found that Gen Z, those up to age 17, actually are looking forward to becoming drivers, instead of the more widespread indifference shown by older Millennials, who resisted the urge longer. Some 92% in that survey, by Kelley Blue Book and Autotrader, own or plan to own a vehicle. They also cited the prospect of freedom, responsibility and excitement that comes with a driver's license.

If they were to buy a self-driving car, all youth surveyed sound fairly indifferent whether they would buy one from a tech company or a traditional automaker. Both Apple and Uber, a leader in ride-hailing services, are believed to be developing self-driving cars.

As for top reasons of having a self-driving car, practical considerations win out over environmental ones. The top reason cited was fewer speeding tickets (53%), followed by fewer people running red lights (47%) and fewer accidents (45%). Farther down the list are use less gas (20%), less pollution (15%) and less traffic (12%).