On the contrary, this is a much larger issue on the ground. A commercial airplane spends most of its flight time in clear air, in an airway assigned to it by 24

On the contrary, this is a much larger issue on the ground. A commercial airplane spends most of its flight time in clear air, in an airway assigned to it by 24/7 air traffic control, safely separated from large objects with which it can collide, and largely safe from disruptions which necessitate sudden control inputs to avoid an immediate crash. Cars don't operate in a comparable problem-space.