Experts warn of dangers associated with Tesla’s ‘Full Self-Driving’ system

DETROIT — In recent months, William Stein, a technology analyst at Truist Securities, has taken the opportunity to test Tesla’s highly-touted “Full Self-Driving” system only to find that the technology has led to unsafe and illegal maneuvers. Along with a tragic incident in Seattle that resulted in a fatality involving Full Self-Driving in April, federal regulators have heightened their scrutiny of Tesla’s automated driving systems. This comes after years of investigations into safety concerns resulting from numerous crashes.

Despite Tesla’s ambitious plans to deploy a fleet of autonomous robotaxis as early as next year, skepticism abounds amongst experts and industry insiders. Many doubt that Tesla’s automated system can achieve widespread safety on public roads as promised. With Elon Musk aiming to demonstrate that Full Self-Driving can operate more safely than human drivers, the pressure is on for Tesla to meet national vehicle safety standards to progress with their plans for robotaxis. While Musk has touted data showing miles driven per crash, questions remain about the validity of this information, particularly in terms of human intervention and collision avoidance.

Approximately one in five Teslas in use today are equipped with the Full Self-Driving system, with owners paying a premium for the optional feature. However, Tesla has repeatedly emphasized that the system does not enable fully autonomous driving and requires constant monitoring by the driver. Reports of unsafe maneuvers and unpredictable behavior have raised concerns about the system’s readiness for widespread use, despite Musk’s optimistic goals for the technology.

While demonstrations of self-driving capabilities have been shared on social media, the reality of long-term performance and safety remains a critical issue. Safety experts caution that Tesla’s reliance on cameras alone may limit the system’s ability to accurately perceive and react to its surroundings, particularly in adverse weather conditions. Other autonomous vehicle companies utilize a combination of cameras, radar, and laser sensors to enhance reliability and avoid potential hazards.

Looking ahead, experts agree that autonomous driving technology has a long way to go before it can handle all real-world scenarios with the reliability and safety standards necessary for widespread adoption. The recent tragedy in Washington serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and risks associated with autonomous systems that are not yet equipped to navigate complex road environments with the same level of judgement and caution as human drivers.

As Tesla’s future plans for Full Self-Driving and robotaxis hang in the balance, the industry continues to grapple with the complexities and uncertainties of autonomous technology. While the promise of self-driving vehicles holds great potential for revolutionizing transportation, practical and ethical considerations must be carefully addressed to ensure the safety and well-being of all road users.