Words have consequences, especially when uttered by someone who has an enormous public following. For almost ten years, regulators have been wrangling with Elon Musk over his claims that Tesla automobiles can drive themselves with little to no input from human drivers. The name “Autopilot” has been controversial from the start, as many contend it lulls drivers into a false sense of security.
“In certain rare circumstances and within the operating limitations of FSD Beta, when the feature is engaged, the feature could potentially infringe upon local traffic laws or customs while executing certain driving maneuvers in the following conditions before some drivers may intervene: 1) traveling or turning through certain intersections during a stale yellow traffic light, 2) the perceived duration of the vehicle’s static position at certain intersections with a stop sign, particularly when...
Driver monitoring systems in Tesla vehicles include torque sensors in the steering wheel to detect whether drivers are keeping their hands on the wheel, and in-cabin cameras that monitor a driver’s eyes. Those systems should alert any inattentive driver to pay attention and stay ready to steer or brake at any time, regulators claim., including data and video stored in or streamed from its cars and retained by the company.
Elon is often out ahead of his skis when it comes to the semi-autonomous capabilities of Tesla automobiles. For years the company posted videos on its website that purported to show Teslasand saying, “The person in the driver’s seat is only there for legal reasons. He is not doing anything. The car is driving itself.
The motorcyclist killed recently in Washington did not consent to be part of Musk’s beta test. We can be fairly certain lawyers for his estate will file a claim against Tesla for contributing to his demise. Tesla recently settled a lawsuit brought by the estate of Walter Huang, a former Apple engineer who was killed when his Tesla veered into a highway barrier.