Tesla’s Autopilot feature is meant to assist drivers, not take over the driving completely.īut not all drivers are getting a clear message. Drivers are encouraged to keep their hands on the wheels (see “ What Will Tesla Drivers Do Behind the Wheel With Autopilot Engaged?”).
“Similar to the autopilot function in airplanes, drivers need to maintain control and responsibility of their vehicle while enjoying the convenience of Autopilot in Model S.” Brooklyn said that customers were informed about Autopilot’s functions through release notes that come with every update, an update to the owner’s manual, and e-mails.
“Tesla is very clear with what we’re building, features to assist the driver on the road,” said Khobi Brooklyn, a Tesla spokesperson, in an e-mail. Yet Tesla CEO Elon Musk has repeatedly warned that Autopilot is not synonymous with fully autonomous driving (see also “ Why Self-Driving Cars Must Be Programmed to Kill”). Tesla’s Autopilot system-which uses a combination of forward radar, a forward-looking camera and 12 long-range ultrasonic sensors, and fast processors-can handle straight-ahead predictable highway driving. “Had I not reacted quickly to jerk the steering wheel in the opposite direction, a devastating head-on collision would have occurred,” he wrote in the YouTube post. In one video, a Model S driver admitted to ignoring warnings until the vehicle automatically swerved over the double-yellow dividing lines toward an oncoming vehicle. That led to dangerous situations and near accidents, as evidenced by videos made by drivers (while driving) and posted to YouTube.
In fact, a number of Tesla drivers immediately took to the road to test the limits of Autopilot-taking their hands fully off the wheel and seeing how far the car could drive itself down highways, country lanes, and suburban streets. The wireless update of vehicles to Version 7.0 of Tesla software-which allows properly equipped cars to steer, switch lanes, and manage speed on its own-is exactly the kind of bold move that makes many Tesla fans so excited about the company. Enthusiastic Tesla owners cheered last Wednesday when the company enabled the use of an automated driving system, called Autopilot, in its Model S all-electric sedans.
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