Ohio motorists may be interested in a recent safety report regarding self-driving automobiles manufactured by Tesla. Researchers with Consumer Reports stated that Tesla’s recent update of the Navigate on Autopilot feature is potentially dangerous to drivers. During a Consumer Reports test of the Model 3, the Autopilot feature made a serious error by cutting off other approaching vehicles. The feature also passed other vehicles illegally. Consumer Reports claimed that the Navigate on Autopilot feature did not perform as well as human drivers. In addition, the feature created other potential risks.
The automated navigator did not leave ample space between vehicles, cut off approaching automobiles and passed other vehicles illegally. Drivers would need to intervene when using this feature in order to drive safely. In fact, Tesla’s Autopilot caused three car accidents during the past few years resulting in death. The so-called convenience of allowing the vehicle to change lanes without the driver’s interference is, according to Consumer Reports magazine, a significant inconvenience.
Vehicles equipped with the Navigate feature also experienced problems when attempting to merge into traffic. A Tesla spokesperson responded to the report by stating that the company’s Autopilot feature had been used millions of times without any issues. In response to the criticism, Tesla recently provided the Lane Departure Avoidance feature to prevent drivers from accidentally switching lanes. The flashing light reminds a driver to take control of the steering wheel when attempting to change lanes without using the turn signal.
The victim of a car crash, whether it be caused by a semi-autonomous or traditional vehicle, may want to reach out to a personal injury attorney. Legal counsel could help the victim file a personal injury claim against the at-fault party.