Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – A recent survey of Illinois residents in Cook County and the Metro East Area says only 38% of Illinoisans in the areas surveyed are favorable towards the idea of driverless taxi sharing the road with them compared to 50% unfavorable.

The survey was coordinated with XLN Services LLC on behalf of ABATE of Illinois who funded the survey. The research was collected by Cor Strategies among a sample of likely voters in Chicago, Suburban Cook County, Madison County, and St. Clair County.

The numbers grew worse after respondents were give four potential common sense safety reforms based on real world issues with Waymo vehicles. Another key issue the study reveals is how much stronger opposition grows to driverless taxis the more people hear safety regulations have not yet been put into place. 22% are very unfavorable with Chicago residents and self-identified Republicans showing the greatest growth in opposition.

ABATE of Illinois has proposed driverless vehicle regulations in House Bill 4789 and Senate Bill 3308.

The survey also shows 72% of respondents favored allowing driverless vehicles to be pulled off the road when they present a clear safety hazard with 77% of Chicago and Cook County residents favoring the regulation.

A news release from ABATE of Illinois and XLN Services LLC say respondents strongly support four key reforms in the proposed bills. Respondents support requirements to independently test driverless taxis before allowing them on the road. Support is strong among all demographics, though it’s even strong with Chicago residents.

Residents also show solid support for allowing cities to regulate driverless taxis and restrict their operation based on complaints and safety problems.

The interviews were conducted via live calling, texting, online panels, and automated calling from January 19 – January 23 for a margin of sampling error of plus/minus 4.37%.