Does This Latest Tesla Crash Bring The Autopilot Issue To Light?
The latest Tesla crash highlights a problem regarding the correlation between partially self-driving cars and human responsibility.
We currently live in a time where the development of self-driving cars is upon us. Today, you can purchase a Volvo, Tesla, Audi, Cadillac or even a Nissan that can take over some of the driving for you. These vehicles are certainly convenient, technologically-advanced and impressive, but pose a threat as well. The era of self-driving cars is becoming somewhat of a dangerous one, with many drivers taking advantage and not being responsible on the road. It is especially important that we address the issues pertaining to the Autopilot systems now, as we slowly head toward the fully autonomous car.
Tesla has been in some heat with accidents that have taken place when their cars’ Autopilot systems were being used. If you remember back to the tragedy in 2016, another Model S in Autopilot mode collided with a truck near Williston, Florida in a fatal accident.
Well, they can’t seem to catch a break. Tesla is once again in the spotlight this week after a Model S driving at highway speeds crashed into a parked firetruck in Culver City, California. The collision, which allegedly took place while the car was in Autopilot mode, has sparked up the big debate and criticism surrounding the software.
While working a freeway accident this morning, Engine 42 was struck by a #Tesla traveling at 65 mph. The driver reports the vehicle was on autopilot. Amazingly there were no injuries! Please stay alert while driving! #abc7eyewitness #ktla #CulverCity #distracteddriving pic.twitter.com/RgEmd43tNe
— Culver City Firefighters (@CC_Firefighters) January 22, 2018
TESLARATI reports that,
"“The Tesla Model S was traveling at 65 mph on Interstate 405 on Monday morning when it crashed into a stationary fire truck. The emergency vehicle was parked on the road after being deployed to a separate accident in the area.The driver of the electric car was able to walk away unharmed from the accident. Upon being questioned by the authorities, the Model S driver stated that the vehicle was on Autopilot when it collided with the parked fire truck. Tesla released a brief statement on Monday, stating that Autopilot is intended only to be used by an attentive driver.”"
More from Car News
- The Ford F150 Lightning Sort Of Makes Sense, Here’s Why
- Will We See A Mainstream Tesla Roadster Anytime Soon?
- Is This What the New Honda Prelude Will Look Like?
- Subaru to Debut WRX TR at 2024 Florida SubieFest
- Mercedes-Benz Releases Second Generation AMG GT Coupe
Culver City Fire Department battalion chief Ken Powell told The Mercury News that the accident was pretty severe, and that the Tesla’s front end was completely crushed from the impact. Powell said that if any firefighters were by the rear of the truck, rather than at the front, then there would not have been a good outcome.
Tesla Model S is considered to be one of the safest cars on the road today. However, because it does not have a gas-powered engine, the electric sedan has a large crush zone in its front end. The car’s low center of gravity also prevents it from being able to roll over as easily as other vehicles.
When u pass out behind the wheel on the Bay Bridge with more than 2x legal alcohol BAC limit and are found by a CHP Motor. Driver explained Tesla had been set on autopilot. He was arrested and charged with suspicion of DUI. Car towed (no it didn’t drive itself to the tow yard). pic.twitter.com/4NSRlOBRBL
— CHP San Francisco (@CHPSanFrancisco) January 19, 2018
As the Internet becomes aware of this accident, the debate surrounding the benefits and dangers of Tesla’s Autopilot system is reignited. A member of the r/TeslaMotors subreddit who claimed to know the driver of the Model S provided some additional information about the accident. According to him, the Tesla Model S was driving behind a large pickup truck while Autopilot mode engaged. The truck’s size had blocked the Tesla’s driver view and he was unable to see past it.
“The driver of the Tesla is my dad’s friend. He said that he was behind a pickup truck with AP engaged. The pickup truck suddenly swerved into the right lane because of the firetruck parked ahead. Because the pickup truck was too high to see over, he didn’t have enough time to react.” writes mikhpat.
Next: Tesla: The Modified Model S Has a Pricey Paint Job
Check out the video below which further discusses the incident and touches some important points regarding the Autopilot system.
What are your thoughts on Tesla and the accidents that have occurred with its Autopilot system? Who is liable and responsible in these cases? What are your overall feelings about Autopilot? Let us know in the comment section below.