my point is when we develop expectations and mental models of how machines work, we can use those to adapt and feel safe and in control. but that's less possible when the machine is typically moving at 60 mph and the mistake can happen without warning
I see your point but for me at least, my gut feeling is the autonomous cars are just scarier because they're moving at 60 miles per hour. Maybe it's irrational but this whole discussion isn't about rationality its about gut feeling