They're finding that for years we've been solving the wrong problem. We've been trying to take people completely out of the equation until we need them: construction zones with poor/inaccurate markings, unusual weather conditions, unexpected mechanical failure, etc. What they have figured out is that people are really bad at maintaining alertness when completely disconnected from the process.

What works better is a drive-by-wire system where the driver makes general inputs - go, stop, lane change - but the car decides what to do with the engine, brakes and steering. Computers are better and faster than all but the very best drivers at this level of control.

Fly-by-wire systems seem to have learned half that lesson. The pilots provide input saying "go higher" or "turn left" and the system decides what to do with the flaps and engines. But auto-pilot has been in use for so long that we've come to expect it. Maybe it would be better to leave the fine control to the systems but make the pilots actually fly again.