Self-Driving Cars Are Getting Better. The Risks Are Getting Bigger. NYT: Technology By: Jack Ewing 23 September 2026 at 11:18 Self-driving systems are getting so good that drivers may overestimate the technology and not be prepared to respond when something goes wrong. Β© Erin Schaff/The New York TimesHands-free driving in a Rivian. The automaker is among those offering systems that allow drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel on certain roads.