In a recent release note adding the ability to turn off lane-change confirmations when in 'Navigate on AutoPilot', they have the following;
> With confirmation turned off, lane changes will only be made once we've confirmed that the driver's hands are on the wheel. Disabling lane confirmation does not abdicate the driver of their responsibility to keep their hands on the wheel, be engaged at all times and carefully monitor their car's surroundings. [1]
Here's what Elon actually thinks;
> [C]an’t make system too annoying or people won’t use it, negatively affecting safety, but also can’t allow people to get too complacent or safety again suffers. Latest update should have a positive effect on latter issue especially. [2]
Fundamentally, as a TM3 driver, you just absolutely must be looking out the damn window when using AP. Hands on or off the wheel is a proxy for "are you taking responsibility for your vehicle" which first and foremost means; looking at where the car is going.
I'd like to see Tesla add gaze tracking on the driver facing camera, even if it doesn't work when wearing sunglasses. If it is able to track your gaze, then it should use that. Fallback to wheel torque detection as a secondary. I couldn't find a sample video of what that camera captures, but on the PCB it is apparently labeled "SELFIE".
[1] - https://imgur.com/a/gxePQ75#6cklbYQ
[2] - https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1005879049493725186