IIHS: Drivers Using ‘Autonomous’ Features More Likely to Be Distracted

Despite warnings that drivers should remain attentive, people behind the wheel of cars equipped with ‘autonomous’ assistance often take their eyes off the road.

1 minute read

September 22, 2024, 7:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Man sitting in driver's seat looking at cell phone.

phpetrunina14 / Adobe Stock

A study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) reveals that drivers using cars with automation software are more likely to engage in distracting behaviors. “Although most automakers advertise their driver assistance software packages as a convenient tool to make driving less of a chore, abuse is known to be common.”

The study tested Volvo’s Pilot Assist and Tesla’s Autopilot systems, explains William Gavin in an article in Quartz. “Drivers were distracted more than 30% of the time they used Pilot Assist, the IIHS found.”

In Tesla’s case, drivers learned how to placate the steering wheel sensor that detects the driver’s hands without changing their behavior. “The IIHS noted that the longer drivers used Autopilot, the less time it took for them to take their hands of the wheel after the alerts stopped.” According to IIHS President David Harkey, “If you train [people] to think that paying attention means nudging the steering wheel every few seconds, then that’s exactly what they’ll do.”

Gavin notes that both the Volvo and Tesla systems received a “poor” safety rating from the IIHS earlier this year.

Tuesday, September 17, 2024 in Quartz

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 23, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Yellow electric school bus with preteen students exiting.

California Invests Additional $5M in Electric School Buses

The state wants to electrify all of its school bus fleets by 2035.

April 25 - Associated Press

City Hall building in Austin, Texas.

Austin Launches $2M Homelessness Prevention Fund

A new grant program from the city’s Homeless Strategy Office will fund rental assistance and supportive services.

April 25 - Spectrum Local News

Brick school building with mid-sized tree on front lawn.

Alabama School Forestry Initiative Brings Trees to Schoolyards

Trees can improve physical and mental health for students and commnity members.

April 25 - Governing