I think there's probably some mechanism backing it that is real, but right now it seems like the original nudge authors are just trying to defend their concept.
There's a fun if books could kill podcast episode about nudge in particular which is where I learned. This is why I say I can't comment on specific effectiveness in one instance or another, just that the nudge concept hasn't been proven.
Anyone who isnt a fucking dumbass that turns off auto mode will have a vehicle that does so automatically. Sometimes rain sensors, sometimes light, sometimes just turning on the wipers, but they all have it.
Some drivers are dumbasses and refuse to use auto mode that's been around for 30 years, and those people should have their license taken away.
I especially love those bright headlights that blind you and the ones that have flashing LEDs on their undercarriage to distract you. (But actually I mostly agree, just pointing out the extreme cases which universally suck)
You must live a really really weird life. I dunno if it's ultra sad or not, but it's definitely a bizarre worldview to wake up and think "everyone chosing to go to work in the only way available to them for most of the country is basically spraying an ak-47 everywhere they go"
You can work to change that -- great, all for it. But presuming the world where you've already won is absolutely bonkers.
They forget, obviously.
I don't know what kind of car you have but I assume not one in north America?