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Comment by sleepybrett | Hacker News Reader

it's sold as an 'autopilot' that means 'automatic pilot' that does not imply hybridization, that implies full automation.

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I don't know where you get the idea. Even plane autopilot will not land the plane w/o Pilot's supervision.

People who don't read manuals put themselves at risk.

Even simple systems like Cruise Control carry plenty of warnings that one should be familiar with when operating (from Ford's manual):

WARNING: Always pay close attention to changing road conditions when using adaptive cruise control. The system does not replace attentive driving. Failing to pay attention to the road may result in a crash, serious injury or death. WARNING: Adaptive cruise control may not detect stationary or slow moving vehicles below 6 mph (10 km/h). WARNING: Do not use adaptive cruise control on winding roads, in heavy traffic or when the road surface is slippery. This could result in loss of vehicle control, serious injury or death. [and few more, shortened for brevity]

People always read the warning labels.

So pilots will get the distinction, but non-pilots think it means self-driving.

I don't think so. Most people are aware that autopilot exists for airplanes, and they are also aware that there are always human pilots on board the plane.

It doesn't really matter what you think. Studies have shown that a significant number of people believe that ADAS branded as "Autopilot" means that the driver does not need to pay attention.

I'm also not sure where you get that idea, it's clear when purchasing that Autopilot is a fancy cruise control to assist drivers and that full attention is required at all times.

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