Tesla-induced pileup involved driver-assist tech, government data reveals

[Caribbeans]

Source: CNN

The Tesla Model S that braked sharply and triggered an eight-car crash in San Francisco in November had the automaker’s controversial driver-assist software engaged at the time, according to data the federal government released Tuesday.

The Tesla Model S slowed to 7 mph on the highway at the time of the crash, according to the data. Publicly released video also showed the car moving into the far-left lane and braking abruptly.

The Tesla’s driver told authorities that the vehicle’s “full self-driving” software braked unexpectedly and triggered the pileup on Thanksgiving day. CNN Business was first to report last month the driver’s claim that “full self-driving” was active.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration then announced that it was sending a special crash investigation team to examine the incident. The agency typically conducts special investigations into about 100 crashes a year.

Read more: https://edition.cnn.com/2023/01/17/business/tesla-8-car-crash-autopilot/index.html

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Tesla owners call this "Phantom Braking" - it is NOT a rare occurrence

https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/search/5095596/?q=phantom+braking&o=relevance

[Caribbeans]

1. .

[OneCrazyDiamond]

2. I guess technology works better for most people.

For me with slow connections, The AI and my fat fingers the experience varies wildy. I don't trust tech controlling my braking and steering the rare times I drive.

[paleotn]

3. Skynet had a brain fart.

AI is most definitely not ready for prime time or heavy traffic.

[NullTuples]

4. Sigh. Cue the elon fanboys screaming, "The drive is still responsible!!!"

Except...at one time all drivers had to shift the gears themselves, too. Then automatic transmissions came along.

If a driver mistakenly puts their manual transmission vehicle in reverse on the freeway and comes to a sudden screeching stop, said driver is held responsible*.

But if an automatic transmission fails and does the same, the driver is not held responsible; the car maker is.



* and no, the "it's the following car driver's responsibility to maintain a proper distance" is not a valid argument, either. As soon as said driver fades back enough to be anywhere close to a safe distance another vehicle (or three) pulls into the space; it's literally not possible to maintain a safe distance in certain traffic conditions.

[C Moon]

5. About 5 years ago, we rented a Ford Escort for an out of town trip.

The car had some kind of auto emergency braking system.

On the way back, I was in the fast lane, the car ahead of us was about 6-8 cars in front. His brake lights went on, so I put my foot on the brake. Immediately, the Escort came to a screeching brake with a little fish tail—we weren't even close to the other car. If someone had been behind us they would have rear ended us.

[Prairie_Seagull]

6. in most cases i like to do my own repair, for me it's a way to really get to know a new rig.

The electric car thing it outside my ability to repair. I don't like the computer controlled and connected nature newer cars have undergone. The world advances but we need to keep in mind that everything new is not an "advancement".
It is not an advancement to build a better gun designed for killing people. Extreme example, yes but you get the point. I am not saying that electric cars are not an advancement because they are but what kind of electric car. Luxury electric car is damn near an oxymoron. We will try to save the planet and ourselves as long as we 'can ride in style'

I believe we need electric cars but I wont buy one until they are simplified to the point that they can not be controlled from the home office of some corporate entity. I don't want to have to download an update to drive my car. I will continue to buy quality used cars with very good gas mileage.

I am however considering a new scooter/moped like vehicle for local trips when the weather is right. Yea, I am a dinosaur. Parts of the rest of the world have gone this route (for their own reasons no doubt) but the benefits are, I would think, fewer emissions globally compared to if everyone just drove a car. Of course many live in climates where this is a lot more practical but se la vie.

The climate crisis is going to take many small changes from all of us and, and huge changes from many as well. We will continue to make our changes some of which are painful but doable. If it isn't causing us pain we are probably not doing it right.

[Hestia]

7. Back in 2005, our 2nd vehicle was an e-scooter - DH used it to go to work, then stop off at

the grocery store on the way home. Loved it. The problem is/was the battery charger. The chargers were considered new tech at the time and finally put the company out of business because every one they sold, each unit required sending out 3 or more new chargers. We still have it, figuring that surely today we can get a new system to refurbish the scooter. Just been too lazy to really look into it.

But, yes, very handy as a 2nd vehicle if you don't live in a hilly, rainy area.

We were lucky to live in such an area and DH could go to work through residential areas and only cross 2 busy streets. When motorcyclists saw him, they would put him in the middle of the pack to protect him from other drivers.