You’re conflating two systems. Tesla rolled out Collision Avoidance Assist and Autopilot around the same time. Collision avoidance is undoubtably a great feature that’s contributed to a decline in accident rates. That’s primarily what helps you in cases where you “fail to remain alert.”

But here I am asking about the other feature, autopilot, i.e. autosteering. The TOS requires you to remain fully alert when using the feature. So even if it were pitched as a safety benefit that keeps you from lane drifting when you’re not paying attention — you’d be violating the TOS.

So what is the benefit that doesn’t violate TOS? Clearly the implication is — and most Tesla users agree — it lowers the cognitive load while driving. But this would seem to undermine Tesla’s defense that drivers must remain vigilant and attentive at all times when using it.