Experiencing Autopilot: A Personal Account of Driving Exhaustion

Defining Autopilot in Driving

Often, the term 'autopilot' in driving is misunderstood. It's not just about the technology within a vehicle like Tesla's Autopilot. True autopilot, in my experience, is when a driver's ability to control the vehicle is effectively taken over by external systems, leading to a state of inattention or disengagement from the task at hand. I've had several instances of almost complete autopilot, but let's explore one particularly harrowing example.

A Lifelong Mechanic's Experience

Four lifetimes ago, I was a mechanic working for a major airline in Atlanta in the early 1990s. Times were tough for the company, and they were looking for ways to cut costs. One controversial plan was to introduce a 13-hour shift for hourly-paid mechanics. This was supposed to be a win-win: we'd only have to work 3 days a week. However, due to low seniority, I was assigned the “modified” midnight shift, which meant from around 5 PM to 6 AM.

Challenging Physical and Mental Limits

The first shift was a blur. By the end of the third day, I was a total zombie. I spent the entire first day off sleeping, and the following off days with a nap in the afternoon. I went through a grueling cycle of work, sleep, work, eating with my wife, then back to sleep. It was a routine of nothing but a relentless loop.

Complete Autopilot Incident

One fateful morning, I woke up in my car in the parking lot of an apartment complex, one I hadn’t lived in for over a year. I had driven there on autopilot, unable to recall getting off work or making the trip. This was a stark reminder of the mental and physical toll of the 13-hour shift. I had to end this shift a few months later, and from then on, I always had a huge mug of coffee around 5 AM to ensure I was awake for the drive home. Several of my colleagues faced similar challenges, with many wrecking their cars driving home in the morning after the excessive shift.

Understanding the Limitations

Shift work, particularly extreme ones like the 13-hour midnight shift, can push the human body and brain to their limits. I found that my limit was at around 10 hours on a midnight shift. This experience has reinforced the importance of not only technology in driving but also the human element and the need to balance work hours with personal well-being.

Key Takeaways

True autopilot in driving is when the driver's control is nearly or completely taken over by external systems. Extremely long work shifts can lead to driving exhaustion and dangerous situations, even when using advanced technology. It's essential to maintain a balance between work and personal life to ensure safety and well-being.

While technology like Tesla's Autopilot can be incredibly useful, it's crucial to be aware of the limitations and potential risks involved. This experience has taught me to stay vigilant and prioritize safety in all driving conditions.