An autopilot steers the vehicle independently and reliably to its destination? This is a dangerous misunderstanding in the case of a car.
The imaginative names of assistance systems lead drivers to be careless. Above all, the capabilities of Tesla's “auto pilot” are overestimated, as a study by the US traffic safety organization IIHS has shown. The institute, which is funded by the insurance industry, asked test subjects, using the names of various safety systems, which behavior at the wheel would enable them. According to this, 48 percent of the respondents expect the Tesla autopilot to allow the driver to let go of the tax permanently, around 35 percent consider it possible to make phone calls while driving, and around 15 percent even text or email. Between 5 and 10 percent even believe they can watch a movie or take a nap.
Assistants from other manufacturers tend to be considered less competent, but are also greatly overestimated. The differences between acceptance and practice are the smallest with the "Traffic Jam Assist" from Honda and Audi. In addition, questions were asked about the "Super Cruise" system from General Motors, the "Driving Assistant" Plus from BMW and the "Pro Pilot Assist" from Nissan. All of these systems are designed to relieve the driver of work at the wheel, but cannot even replace him temporarily. So people have to remain ready to intervene at all times and be able to take over the steering immediately.