Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) released a study that found that Tesla drivers are now more distracted when using the company’s semi-autonomous Autopilot in Tesla vehicles. According to a CNN report, the findings support that Tesla should take more steps to keep drivers attentive for their safety.
Tesla’s Autopilot is a semi-autonomous driver-assist system that is designed to steer the car, help it stay in its lane and keep up with traffic on divided highways. But Tesla has acknowledged that the software is imperfect and after fatal crashes involving Autopilot, has said that drivers should keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel even when Autopilot is engaged.
Drivers Are Still Distracted in Their Teslas
However, in spite of Tesla’s warnings, the MIT study has found that drivers do take their eyes off the road and pay less attention to driving when Autopilot is engaged. The study also found that 33% of Tesla drivers did not have their hands on the wheel before taking control of the car from Autopilot.
Last week, Tesla CEO Elon Musk acknowledged at the annual shareholder meeting that the company has recently undertaken a fundamental rewrite of its Autopilot software. Musk has previously announced ambitious goals for a fully autonomous system, but those efforts have fallen short.
Tesla Needs to Do More
Critics and safety advocates have criticized Tesla for not doing enough to keep drivers safe and for calling the feature “Autopilot,” which they argue misleads motorists and lulls them into a false sense of security, leading them to believe they will be safe even if they take their hands off the wheel or their eyes off the road. The National Transportation Safety Board conducted an investigation and demanded that Tesla enhance its ability to detect driver distraction.
Most recently, Canadian authorities reported that the driver of a Tesla Model S appeared to be asleep in a reclined seat and that the vehicle seemed to be driving itself when it accelerated to 93 mph during their initial attempt to pull the driver over. While Tesla monitors driver alertness through steering-wheel torque, drivers may appear alert by resting an object on the steering wheel. Other automakers such as GM have used a camera and eye-tracking technology to determine if users of its comparable Super Cruise software stay alert.
If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a Tesla Autopilot crash, you may be able to receive compensation for the injuries and damages you have suffered. An experienced auto defect law firm can provide additional information about pursuing your legal rights.
Source: https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/24/cars/tesla-autopilot-study/index.html
Brian Chase
Articles, blogs, and content have been reviewed by legal in-house staff. Brian Chase is the managing partner of Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys, LLP. He is the lead trial lawyer and oversees cases handling dangerous and defective products that injure consumers. Brian is a top-rated injury attorney with numerous legal honors and awards for his work relating to auto defects and dangerous products. His firm has recovered over $1B for its clients. Brian is a frequent speaker for CAOC, Dordick Trial College, and OCTLA, covering personal injury trial techniques.