Tesla Autopilot Feature May Create Dangers

Consumer Reports tested Tesla’s autopilot navigation technology and said the feature raises safety concerns. Navigate on Autopilot, which was first released by Tesla during 2018, created new risks for drivers and performed worse than humans. California motorists should be aware of the risks that some new motor vehicle safety technologies create. The Navigate on Autopilot feature must be turned on by the driver to be functional. When it’s on, the vehicle will automatically switch between traffic lanes.

According to Consumer Reports, the technology caused a Tesla to cut off other vehicles on the road and illegally passed other vehicles. The driver had to stop the technology because it was making poor decisions, it was found. The senior director of auto testing with Consumer Reports said monitoring the lane changing system is more difficult than simply changing lanes. He compared it to monitoring a young person driving for the first time.

Navigate on Autopilot is an add-on to Tesla’s Autopilot system. That system takes partial control of the car, keeping it centered in its lane and monitoring speed. Tesla’s Autopilot system has been criticized because of three fatal crashes where one of the drivers was using it. Among the biggest problems with the Navigate on Autopilot feature, said the Consumer Reports director, was its inability to account for vehicles that were fast approaching from the rear.

When new motor vehicle technologies lead to accidents, injured parties may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, medical expenses or other damages. An attorney with experience in personal injury law might be able to help in such cases by gathering evidence in anticipation of trial or by negotiating a settlement with the at-fault parties and their insurers.