One of the innovations that technology has adapted to our lives in recent years has been vehicle and driving innovations. In addition to innovations such as advanced driver assistance systems, cruise control, automatic emergency braking and lane control system, blind spot warning systems, automatic parking, the autopilot system is now a preferable innovation and comfort with the combination of all these.
Autopilot, which is especially identified with Tesla and sometimes comes up with news of accidents and sometimes surprising innovations, includes dangerous driving experiences as well as being a comfort. Although the news of the accident about Tesla is disturbing, Tesla always attracts attention with its autopilot feature. A study in the journal Accident Analysis & Prevention drew attention to Tesla users’ connection to the road when autopilot is active.
“They focus on places that have nothing to do with driving”
In the study, the attitude of the drivers, the focus of their eyes and their connection with the road, when the autopilot is active and when using the manual were examined in 290 different situations. As a result of the research, it was determined that the drivers had less eye contact with the road and focused on places not related to the road when the autopilot was active compared to manual driving. Aware of this situation, automakers are working on improvements so as not to distract drivers.
Although these innovations are conveniences, there are also drivers who abuse it. For hands-free vehicles, devices are sold that mimic the driver’s hands and steering wheel grip. In addition, drivers who get into the back seat while the vehicle is in autopilot mode also reveal this abuse.
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