Who Do You Blame? Tesla Model X Crash Driver Ticketed For Careless Driving While Using Autopilot Feature

Pennsylvania State Police cited the driver of a Tesla Motors Inc. sport utility vehicle involved in a July 1 crash that may have involved Autopilot technology for careless driving, according to a report released Monday. Meanwhile, another Tesla driver has told Montana police that Autopilot was engaged during an accident that occurred on Saturday.

Tesla’s Autopilot features, which are available on more than 70,000 vehicles worldwide, have come under intense scrutiny in the wake of a fatal accident in Florida. In May, 40-year-old Joshua Brown of Ohio was killed when his Tesla Model S drove under the trailer of an 18-wheeler on a highway near Williston, Florida. In a blog post, Tesla stressed that the crash was the first known fatality in more than 130 million miles of Autopilot driving, compared to 94 million miles for all cars.

Read Article

Vette71 - 7/11/2016 11:12:08 PM

+3 Boost

The drivers are responsible for these accidents since Tesla had stated circumstances under which the vehicle's AutoPilot was to be used and that they needed to be vigilant while it was in use. Some where not. However Tesla aided and abetted the situation by promoting the software as "AutoPilot", and allowing it out before in-house beta testing had been rigorously done. Yes you can beta test gaming software out in public, but not the software that controls a plane, life saving medical equipment, nuclear reactors etc, etc. When there is an opportunity for serious injury or death the manufacturer has an obligation to complete rigorous beta testing before the general public is exposed to its use. Even then building in alerts or reminders to pay attention are safety devices that others have included but Tesla appears not to have done that.

MDarringer - 7/12/2016 8:39:42 AM

-1 Boost

I blame Tesla and the drivers. Tesla released a technology long before it was properly engineered and Tesla drivers are BMW douchebags on steroids. I think Tesla requires proof of arrogance behind the wheel in order to buy one of their cars.

mre30 - 7/12/2016 9:11:50 AM

0 Boost

Tesla needs to accept its "lumps" and just announce it is shutting off the Autopilot feature.

Once a Tesla on autopilot kills a pedestrian or occupant of another car (certainly only a matter of time at this rate), NHTSA will issue a "stop sale" order and the music will stop for Tesla.

IamEvilHomer - 7/12/2016 10:15:02 AM

+3 Boost

For sure the driver. What is stupid by calling it autopilot. They're just open himself up for lawsuits. Better turn in something like how to get this door BMW Assist. They are driver AIDS not a replacement for the driver. Just like power steering you can't blame the car

dumpsty - 7/13/2016 4:27:43 PM

+1 Boost

The driver is definitely responsible. AutoPilot is a "driving aid" & does not "replace" the actual driver of the car. The driver should be aware of the traffic/surrounding conditions so that they can take immediate control of the vehicle should something occur.

And the AutoPilot program...similar to the adaptive cruise control in some cars will tend to have some "jerky" responses to changing traffic conditions - where a human driver can make smooth adjustments & transitions to driving conditions & traffic situations.