Tesla Motor’s “autopilot” feature, a self-driving mode released by the automotive manufacturer earlier this month as part of a software update, could be causing the company’s electric vehicles to drive dangerously and at excessive speeds, according to published reports.
In a story published Thursday, BBC News explained that videos posted online appear to contain footage of the self-driving mode causing one car to suddenly veer off the road after taking an exit near Portland, and a second car swerve straight into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
Furthermore, the British news agency reported that one Miami driver said his car was pulled over by the Florida Highway Patrol for traveling 75 mph in a 60 mph zone while using autopilot in his car. The man has purportedly posted pictures of the tickets he received online.
Better keep both hands on the wheel
Tesla, which unveiled its autopilot feature as part of its version 7.0 software release on October 14, said that the self-driving system utilized feedback from the camera, radar, ultrasonic, and GPS systems, making it “the only fully integrated autopilot system” to do so. It also allows the Model S to speed up or slow down, and to change lanes by activating the turn signal.
In addition, the autopilot system allowed for digital control of the engine, brakes, and steering in order to help avoid front or side collisions, as well as to keep the car from swerving off the road. However, while the feature “relieves drivers of the most tedious and potentially dangerous” parts of travel, Tesla also warned that they are ultimately “still responsible for… the car.”
“The driver cannot abdicate responsibility for driving,” the firm stated, according to BBC News. “The latest autopilot release is a hands-on experience to give drivers more confidence behind the wheel, increase their safety on the road and make motorway driving more enjoyable.”
Likewise, chief executive Elon Musk warned that the autopilot feature was “very new” and still in test mode. He added that the company was “being especially cautious at this early stage” and was advising motorists to “keep their hands on the wheel just in case” something bad happened. Translation: Expect the unexpected until Tesla gets all of the bugs worked out.
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Feature Image: Tesla
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