That isn't really what aircraft autopilots do (intend to do a full point A to point B without human intervention). Texting and reading won't become legal if the driver is still responsible for the safe operation of the vehicle.
A few minutes research shows mine is a common misconception in modern commercial flight [1] and "Autopilots exist that automate all of these flight phases except taxi and takeoff" [2].
I think this speaks further to the difficulties with driver-less cars. I was taught not to swerve when an animal ran out in front of the car, even if it meant hitting the animal, because the car might roll. If a driver-less car makes this calculation, there will be ramifications. Should a driver-less car destroy itself rather than hitting an animal?
The driverless vehicle can probably calculate a lateral acceleration for the vehicle that won't roll it over but still avoid the animal, then monitor the application of turn input to further ensure the vehicle doesn't roll over.
