Second Tesla Model X Involved In An Accident While Driver Blames Autopilot

Ever since the very publicized fatal Florida accident in a Model S while the Autopilot was activated, Tesla’s semi-autonomous driver assist system has been getting its reputation tarnished in the media. Autopilot took blame for a few subsequent incidents, despite nothing currently pointing to the system being the cause of any of the accidents – though NHTSA is now probing the Autopilot over two of them.

TheSteve - 7/12/2016 1:50:03 AM

+2 Boost

Here's the recap:

Tesla says (paraphrased): Always be attentive. Always keep your hands on the wheel. Take control from the system if it does something wrong.

Driver does differently, lulled into a false sense of security, because he believes the system is reliable and error free, even though manufacturer does not make that claim.

Driver gets into trouble while using "AutoPilot". Blames manufacturer.

MDarringer - 7/12/2016 8:36:44 AM

+1 Boost

What did the driver have his hands on? Phone?

Tesla needs to send out a software update that immobilizes autopilot to reduce their exposure to litigation.

mre30 - 7/12/2016 9:10:11 AM

+1 Boost

Tesla needs to accept its "lumps" and just announce it is shutting off the Autopilot feature and putting it back into real Beta testing with Tesla employees vs end-users.

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.

GermanNut - 7/13/2016 5:20:07 PM

+1 Boost

Agreed. If and when a pedestrian or other driver is killed by an accident involving Tesla's Autopilot system, regulators will not allow the vehicles to be sold until a solution is found.