Automakers are rapidly advancing self-driving technologies that assist with steering, braking, and navigation, but experts caution that these systems may increase certain risks if drivers become overly reliant on them. This phenomenon, known as automation complacency, occurs when drivers assume the technology is more capable than it actually is and fail to stay attentive behind the wheel.
Kyle Shanahan, head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, recently experienced this firsthand. While driving with Tesla’s self-driving features, he bent over to retrieve a dropped cellphone, assuming the system would maintain control. However, the technology was not engaged at the time, and his vehicle veered into oncoming traffic, resulting in a crash that left him with broken bones and a concussion. Shanahan later emphasized that driving remains a “partnership” between human and machine.
Tesla and other manufacturers such as Rivian, General Motors, Ford, and Hyundai are developing increasingly sophisticated driver-assistance systems. Tesla offers its Full Self-Driving (Supervised) service by subscription and recently unveiled the Cybercab, a vehicle designed to operate without a steering wheel or pedals, although such cars are not yet legal for consumer sales in most jurisdictions. The U.S. government has expressed support for autonomous technology and is working on regulatory frameworks to allow wider deployment.
Despite progress, industry and safety experts agree that current systems are not truly autonomous. They require drivers to remain alert and ready to intervene if necessary. “The better it gets, in some respects the more dangerous it gets, unless it’s so good that it doesn’t cause problems, which is not true at this point,” said a former federal auto safety regulator. Research has yet to conclusively prove that vehicles equipped with these features are safer than conventional cars.
Usage patterns and demographics also complicate assessments of safety benefits. Higher-priced vehicles with driver-assistance technologies tend to be owned by older, more cautious drivers, which may skew accident statistics. Experts note that systems primarily aimed at supporting drivers—alerting them to hazards or applying brakes when needed—tend to demonstrably improve safety more than those that allow drivers to disengage from active control.
Advocates argue that automation can reduce driver fatigue and improve convenience. Rivian’s senior vice president for autonomy highlighted plans to roll out technology enabling hands-free driving over a broader range of conditions, with a long-term goal of fully autonomous vehicles. Similarly, Ford and G.M. have developed systems allowing drivers to take their hands off the wheel on highways, with G.M. aiming to introduce cars that permit drivers to divert their attention by 2028.
However, some researchers urge caution, suggesting that widespread commercial availability of fully driverless cars remains years—or even decades—away. They point to the challenges in designing systems that can safely handle the unpredictable nature of real-world driving without human intervention. Additionally, consumer acceptance is seen as a significant hurdle; many potential users remain hesitant to entrust their safety entirely to automated technology.
While companies like Tesla promote their technology as a “guardian angel” capable of expanding mobility for people with disabilities, safety experts emphasize that partial automation is not a substitute for fully attentive, competent drivers. Legal liability similarly remains primarily with the driver, not manufacturers, in most cases involving automated driving systems.
As automakers continue to push forward in the development and deployment of autonomous capabilities, the balance between advancing technology and ensuring driver readiness and safety remains a central concern for regulators, experts, and consumers alike.