do they have cars that can drive themselves

[VanNora]

Yes, cars with self-driving capabilities are on the road today, but it’s crucial to understand they are not fully autonomous. Most current systems are classified as Level 2 driver-assistance, meaning they handle steering, acceleration, and braking under specific conditions, but the driver must remain fully engaged and ready to take control at any moment. True "driverless" cars (Level 4-5) are primarily in limited testing phases.

The technology is known by various names depending on the manufacturer, such as Tesla's Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD), GM's Super Cruise, and Ford's BlueCruise. These systems rely on a combination of cameras, radar, and sometimes LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) to perceive the vehicle's surroundings. A key component is adaptive cruise control, which maintains a set speed and a safe following distance from the car ahead, paired with lane centering that actively steers to keep the car within its lane markings.

It's a common misconception that you can take a nap or become a passive passenger. The driver's responsibility is paramount. These systems have limitations and can struggle in complex situations like construction zones, unmapped roads, or heavy rain that obscures sensors. Regulatory bodies like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are actively monitoring these technologies and investigating incidents to ensure safety.

Feature	Tesla Autopilot	GM Super Cruise	Ford BlueCruise
System Type	Level 2	Level 2	Level 2
Hands-Free?	No (monitors torque)	Yes (with eye tracking)	Yes (with camera monitoring)
Operational Domain	Highways & city streets	Limited-access highways only	Divided highways only
Key Technology	Cameras & AI	Cameras, Radar, LiDAR map	Cameras, Radar, GPS
Over-the-Air Updates	Yes	Yes	Yes

The future is moving toward higher levels of automation, but for now, think of these systems as sophisticated co-pilots designed to reduce driver fatigue on long, monotonous drives rather than replace the driver entirely.

[StLydia]

I use my car’s highway assist feature on my long commute. It’s fantastic for reducing fatigue—the car basically drives itself on the interstate, keeping pace with traffic and in the lane. But my hands have to be on the wheel, and I have to pay attention. It’s not a chauffeur; it’s more like a really good helper that lets me relax a little. I wouldn't trust it on back roads or in a busy city, but for highway miles, it’s a game-changer.