Autopilot Hands Off During Traffic?

[Freds88]

I was driving in bumper to bumper traffic today with autopilot heading back to the Bay Area on I-80 and noticed that I could keep my hands off of the steering wheel for quite some time (sometime 2-3 minutes) without receiving the standard notification to grip the wheel. Is this standard in heavy traffic? I was traveling about 0-15 mph stop and go and did not toggle any of the wheel controls for volume/speed.

 

[Tam]

...standard notification...

The frequency of an Autopilot nag varies depending on the traffic condition such as straight/curvy roads, fast or slow speed, stop-and-go traffic...

 

[Freds88]

The frequency of an Autopilot nag varies depending on the traffic condition such as straight/curvy roads, fast or slow speed, stop-and-go traffic...

Got it. Did not know that but makes sense now. Thanks.

 

[Electroman]

The more stressful and confused the conditions are the more frequently you will be nagged. Driving at low speeds in bumper to bumper traffic is fairly straightforward with not a lot of tough decision making and guess work, compared to driving at 75 on a curve, or driving with poorly marked lanes.

More the reason why Autopilot is God send for stressful slow speed bumper to bumper office commutes.

 

[Georgia_Y]

The car is looking for resistance against the steering wheel when it turns. If you are going straight, at a low speed then there is probably little chance for you to provide physical feedback.