Can the name “Autopilot” make drivers ignore safety measures in Tesla cars?

I have recently red several articles describing accidents and lawsuits concerning Tesla car “autopilot” mode and it made me thing about the User Experience angle and how I would solve or help alleviate some issues surrounding this driving mode. I am an electric car enthusiast interested in the development of the electric car this industry. I fully support innovation and moving away from ICE vehicles. I tend to read obsessively any news that concern Tesla and Tesla’s meteoric stock rally, and this is purely my opinion as a consumer and a designer.

Tesla is sued by its drivers and families of deceased drivers after getting into sometimes fatal accidents while on Autopilot mode. Edited 2/2/2020: There is also an inquiry NTSD based on a petition signed by over a hundred drivers that alleges Tesla vehicles of unintended acceleration.

After reading through some horrific accounts of sad events I was wondering how is it possible that people treat Autopilot mode just as a self driving car. While test driving Tesla recently I was told that by the law, I have to keep my hands on the wheel even with autopilot. I personally would not play with my phone or with my pets whilst driving any car, even a Tesla, as I believe hurtling down the highway at 80mph in a metal box requires actual attention. From the accounts and records, it seems that most drivers (some of which have perished) were actually not keeping their hands on the steering wheel, even after repeated warnings from the system. Others claim that car accelerated spontaneously which is another matter. Alarmingly, I have heard an acquaintance say that Tesla “drove him home” after a party while he was impaired. When I tried to speak to him about the dangers of not actually driving the car, he was not convinced. Why? 

Why are so many people ignoring the basic instinct of wanting to control the car? Why are people so easily assuming that the car will safely drive them? I started thinking about the name Autopilot. This label is implying that the car will drive itself. This ambitiously elevated label is in my opinion incorrect and perhaps even the reason why so many people choose to ignore safety warnings by the Tesla automaker and the actual law. Could changing this name help prevent some accidents? I believe it should be labeled as what it truly is, an Advanced Cruise Control. 

This is a user perception problem that needs addressing to create a clearer messaging about the capabilities of the car. Tesla brand is undoubtedly an innovative company but it seems to repeatedly fall into the trap of huge ego and self-inflated statements. But when it comes to safety of drivers the brand team should be truthful and realistic in labeling and stop calling the Tesla cruise control an Autopilot. Along with adjustments to other safety features and timing of the safety messages during this mode, Tesla could perhaps help prevent some of the accidents.