US moves closer to recalling Tesla’s self-driving software (fortune.com)

Article summary

The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is expanding its probe into Tesla's Autopilot feature, examining 830,000 vehicles across all four current model lines. The investigation aims to determine if Autopilot exacerbates human factors or behavioral safety risks by undermining the effectiveness of driver supervision. The NHTSA found that in 16 instances, Autopilot aborted vehicle control less than one second prior to impact, suggesting drivers were not prepared to assume full control. A recall of the Autopilot software may be possible, which could be done wirelessly without requiring vehicles to be brought to dealerships.

Main themes

• Autopilot safety
• Regulatory investigation
• Tesla's liability
• Driver responsibility
• Autonomous vehicle technology
• Marketing and consumer education

What commenters say

• Autopilot is essentially glorified cruise control and should not be relied upon to prevent collisions.
• The system's design, which returns control to the driver at the last moment, is fundamentally unsafe and can lead to accidents.
• Tesla's marketing of Autopilot has been irresponsible and has led to drivers misunderstanding the system's capabilities.
• The NHTSA's investigation is necessary to determine if Autopilot is safe and if Tesla has done enough to mitigate potential risks.
• Human brains are not capable of maintaining attention and taking over control at a moment's notice, making Autopilot's requirements unrealistic.
• The company's liability for accidents involving Autopilot is unclear, but it may be difficult to target Tesla due to the complexity of the issue.
• Improper use of Autopilot is a foreseeable consequence of its design, and Tesla should take steps to mitigate this risk.
• The Autopilot system's limitations and potential dangers are not adequately communicated to drivers, leading to a false sense of security.