Play semantic games, get attention from supposedly reputable news source?
> Actions need to be taken to start the vehicle, enter instructions regarding destination and route, and engage the self-driving function. These actions constitute driving
Shit, so taking a cab is still drunk driving? (hail cab check, tell driver destination check, shut door check). Because that is what people mean by self driving cars - a cab without a human, and most likely without even a steering column. By this guy's self-promoting definition, we've had "self driving" cars ever since cruise control.
> Moreover, there are serious issues concerning the possible situations where a driver in an autonomous vehicle needs to intervene due to an emergency or system malfunction
Or not. Such a thing would be unsafe with even a sober and completely alert driver. They would be unconnected from how the car responds, and thus unable to operate it at a moment's notice. The only workable solution is to fail safe by pulling over.