Tesla's "Autopilot" system under fire again
The controversial name of Tesla's driver assistance system, accused of being misleading, has led to yet another setback for the electric vehicle manufacturer. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a recall order for approximately two million Tesla vehicles in the USA, citing safety concerns with the "Autopilot" system.
Tesla is called upon to upgrade the software for its driver assistance system in two million vehicles due to safety defects. The NHTSA found during a year-long investigation that the carmaker's technology was not robust enough to prevent misuse. The agency stated, "Autonomous technology holds tremendous promise for enhancing safety, but only if it's used responsibly."
Vehicles from the S, X, 3, and Y models are affected. If the "Autopilot" is active, the vehicles automatically regulate their speed, provided they remain in their lane. With an extended "Autopilot" function, they can also switch lanes. However, this is not a function that enables autonomous driving, despite the name's suggestion.
The NHTSA investigation continues, with the agency assessing the effectiveness of Tesla's proposed fix. The software update, scheduled to roll out online from December 12, will address these concerns. This marks the second recall for Tesla in 2023, following a series of accidents and fatalities linked to the "Autopilot" system.
Upcoming Software Updates
Tesla's new software update, version 2023.44.30, aims to address the safety concerns by introducing several new features:
- Prominent Alerts: Clear visual alerts are now displayed on the user interface to improve driver awareness and adherence to safety guidelines.
- Simplified Engagement: The 'Single-Pull Autosteer' feature has been introduced, making it easier for drivers to engage and disengage the "Autopilot" system.
- Additional Checks: The software includes additional checks during "Autosteer" engagement, especially on roads outside controlled access and near traffic controls.
- Temporary Suspension: Drivers who repeatedly ignore safety guidelines may face a temporary ban on the use of the "Autosteer" feature.
Despite these efforts, critics remain skeptical of Tesla's reliance on cameras for hazard detection, which they consider an insufficient method for fully autonomous driving systems.
Tesla extends its recall of two million vehicles in the USA due to safety concerns related to the "Autopilot" driver assistance system, which has contributed to a second recall this year following a series of accidents and fatalities.
Sources: | enrichment data
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