It comes after a two-year study of crashes while the technology was being used. The recall covers nearly all Tesla vehicles sold in the United States after the Autopilot technology debuted in 2015. Elon Musk’s company, Tesla, promised to update its software “over the air” to address the problem. Even though the update is automated and doesn’t need a trip to a store or garage, the US regulator nevertheless refers to it as a recall.
A representative for the agency stated that “The vehicles that are offered for sale in the UK are not authorized to drive themselves,” and that the agency will keep an eye on the matter. Despite its name, autopilot is only intended to assist with steering, braking, and acceleration; driver intervention is still necessary.
Tesla Has Agreed To Add Better Safety Measures And Enhance The Software
The software in Tesla vehicles is designed to ensure that motorists are attentive and that the function is only activated under the proper circumstances, such as while traveling on a highway. Nevertheless, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stated that “The controls on this function might not be prominent enough or comprehensive enough to stop drivers from abusing it” following a two-year review into 956 Tesla crashes. The NHTSA stated that “Automation has a lot of potential to increase safety, but only when used properly.” After the software was upgraded, the NHTSA said it would keep an eye on it. An inquiry for comment from Tesla was not answered. The recall notice states that although the firm disagreed with the agency’s findings, it agreed to address the issues by adding new measures, such as extra checks before turning on the self-driving functions.
Speaking to the BBC following his receipt of the Blueprint Prize, which honors whistleblowers, Lukasz Krupski said, “Both the software and the hardware may not be ready, in my opinion”. “Since we are essentially testing on public roadways, it impacts everyone.”, he said.
