Is Tesla Autopilot System Safe?

Jul 15,2016

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating the Tesla Autopilot system after it has been linked to three crashes. On Sunday, a Tesla Model X driver in Cardwell, Montana crashed into a wooden railing while the vehicle’s autosteer feature was enabled. Tesla noted that the driver’s hands were not on the steering wheel when the crash occurred, which goes against the terms of use for the feature. They also say the driver ignored the vehicle’s alerts to put his hands on the wheel. The driver and his passenger were uninjured.

On July 1, a Detroit man flipped his Model X onto its roof on the Pennsylvania Turnpike while the car was on Autopilot, but he was not seriously hurt. However, on May 7, a Model S driver was killed when he crashed into a semitrailer on a divided highway in Williston, Florida. Neither the driver, 40-year-old Joshua Brown, nor the Autopilot feature hit the brakes when the semi crossed into the lane in front of him. The fatal crash is being investigated by the NHTSA and the National Transportation Safety Board. Tesla has until August 26 to comply with requests for data on the crash or will face a $105M penalty.

The Tesla owner’s manual warns against using the Tesla Autopilot system exclusively when driving. The manual states that when Autosteer is enabled, the driver must still keep their hands on the steering wheel at all times. It also says that the system should only be used by attentive drivers and on highways without intersections.

“Drivers who choose to enable an Autopilot feature need to remember that this technology is not perfect and they must remain alert at all times while behind the wheel,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.