I have had this happen to but it only goes to emphasize just how much we tune out during long drives. My use of autopilot is to have the equivalent of a back se

I have had this happen to but it only goes to emphasize just how much we tune out during long drives. My use of autopilot is to have the equivalent of a back seat driver or co-pilot who is just a bit paranoid. Zoning out is something the AP system won't do but drivers can do. I look at it this way, how many have been driving on a long trip only to glance in the rear view mirror and see a bridge behind you that you do not truly remember driving under? I find AP reduces stress of the long drive while adding safety. I do not allow it to change lanes on its own nor do I use navigate on autopilot. Many cars have automatic cruise control, the type that keeps distances from other vehicles, some have lane keeping assist which does as the name suggest, AP is all of that with active steering. Plus the car can drive in some of the worst conditions that are tiresome for human drivers, like at night in the rain with the headlight glare of oncoming cars does not even phase it. About the article, all those things they asked if people felt safe(r) doing with autopilot, well they actually are safer. People do it already with plain cruise control and regular driving with no overriding system doing the active driving. Do I suggest being inattentive, no, but to suggest it isn't safer with AP is silly. However saying AP replaces a human driver is just as silly.