Opinions expressed by businesskinda.com contributors are their own.
On November 19, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said tweeted that “full self-driving software” (FSD) packages were available to all Tesla owners. Shortly afterward, on Thanksgiving Day, one of the company’s EVs reportedly caused a pile-up just outside San Francisco.
According to to CNN, California Highway Patrol reports indicate that the accident required treatment for injuries to nine people, including “one youth” who was taken to the hospital. While the Highway Patrol said it couldn’t confirm whether the FSD was on when the crash occurred, claiming that Tesla would know if it was, the agency did see videos of the incident where the EV changed lanes and then came to full speed. came to a standstill. .
Here’s more from CNN:
“Full self-driving” is designed to go with traffic, steer on the track and obey traffic lights. It requires an attentive human driver who is willing to take full control of the car at any time. It is delighted by some drivers, but also alarmed others with its limitations. Drivers will be warned by Tesla if they install ‘fully self-driving’ that it “can do the wrong thing at the worst time”.
The Highway Patrol’s report indicated that the Model S was traveling at 55 mph and had moved into the left lane before braking, quickly reducing the speed to 20 mph. This set off “a chain reaction” with the other eight vehicles, all traveling at medium speeds, crashing into each other.
CNN notes that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) already has a file on Tesla vehicles, after receiving multiple safety-related complaints. The EV company’s driver assistance features — FSD and Autopilot — are being closely monitored, and many of the issues currently under investigation are related to braking. Drivers say they have experienced “random”, sudden braking, sometimes “repeatedly in a single trip” and described many close calls.
According to CNN’s report, NHTSA’s investigation includes a technical analysis, and this points to a potential recall in the future from Tesla.
Janice has been with businesskinda for 5 years, writing copy for client websites, blog posts, EDMs and other mediums to engage readers and encourage action. By collaborating with clients, our SEO manager and the wider businesskinda team, Janice seeks to understand an audience before creating memorable, persuasive copy.