Car ads make motorists think 'autonomous' and 'autopilot' means vehicle can drive itself

Car makers have been warned of the dangers of suggesting vehicles with some automated features can drive themselves. Experts say manufacturers are lulling drivers into a false sense of security by using terms such as'autonomous' and'autopilot' in their advertising. A report says it poses a danger as drivers become over-reliant on the technology and lose concentration at the wheel. Modern vehicles increasingly offer partly automated features such as keeping the car within its lane, speed controls or emergency braking. However, experts say fully self-driving cars are still a long way off in the UK.