Tesla in need of explanation: Does the "autopilot" switch off before the crash?

Created: 06/16/2022, 08:12

By: Marcus Efler

New allegations against Tesla's self-driving function: Did it let the driver down at the last moment in several accidents?

Austin (USA) – Tesla is undoubtedly one of the most innovative car manufacturers.

However, there is always trouble with its driver assistance systems, which the electric car pioneer somewhat exaggeratedly describes as “autopilot” or “potential for autonomous driving”.

A Tesla driver has even been charged with manslaughter in a fatal crash in the US.

Technically, Tesla has also fallen behind Mercedes here, after the first autopilot approved for speeds of up to 60 km/h is now being sold in the S-Class and the Stromer EQS.

Tesla is repeatedly criticized for its "autopilot".

(Iconic image) © MediaPunch/Imago

Tesla in need of explanation: Does the "autopilot" switch off before the crash?

Now there are new, violent allegations in the room.

As reported by US media, the American traffic authority NHTSA is investigating several crashes in the past year in which Tesla models with active autopilot drove into accident sites, sometimes with fatal consequences.

In 16 cases, it is suspected that the "autopilot" gave control of the vehicle to the driver - but only less than a second before the impact.

Tesla in need of explanation: One second is too short for the driver

Did the system anticipate that a crash was about to happen and therefore got out?

However, the second would be far too short for the driver to intervene and prevent the accident.

It is not for nothing that Tesla himself points out that the driver must always remain vigilant, even when the "autopilot" is activated.

However, American Tesla owners in particular do not always adhere to this.

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Tesla in need of explanation: Elon Musk's statement in a new light

The statement by Tesla CEO Elon Musk after many accidents that the autopilot was not activated during the crash and was therefore innocent takes on a completely new meaning.

Both the image (which has hardly suffered from the accidents so far) and the business balance in view of possible claims for damages could suffer from the new development.