We keep hearing that Tesla has a full self-driving system and plenty of other vendors will be offering such concepts soon. Except – that’s not the facts.
Sure, Tesla’s “full self-driving system” is a major upgrade from its Autopilot system. But, let us not forget that many a Tesla owner has crashed their vehicle while engaged in Autopilot mode.
There’s a vast difference between traffic-aware cruise control and autosteer (steering within a clearly defined traffic lane) and self-driving systems. But, Tesla has added features. Here are a few:
Auto Lane Change– when autosteer is engaged, this addition helps (note the verb- helps) one move to an adjacent lane on the highway.
Navigate on Autopilot– guides the vehicle from on-ramp to off-ramp, with suggested lane changes, navigation of interchanges, taking the desired exist, and engaging in the required turn signals.
Autopark– the vehicle can be perpendicular or parallel parked with a single touch. (NOTE: a touch is required.)
Summon– Using the mobile app or mobile key, the vehicle can extricate itself out of a tight spot.
Smart Summon– as is true for Summon, this executes more complex maneuvers and will find the owner in a parking lot.
Traffic and Stop Sign Control– recognizes stop signs and traffic lights- but required the active supervision of the vehicle owner or operator.
If you notice, there is no system for maneuvering on city streets. That additional capability is expected “soon”.
Moreover, Tesla provides the following caveat:
Autopilot and Full Self-Driving Capability are intended for use with a fully attentive driver, who has their hands on the wheel and is prepared to take over at any moment. While these features are designed to become more capable over time, the currently enabled features do not make the vehicle autonomous.
Ah, yes, it should now be clear that the Tesla is not yet autonomous.
Moreover, PAVE (Partners for Automated Vehicle Education [Waymo, Audi, Daimler, Ford, GM, Toyota, and Volkswagen are members of this group]) stipulates that “systems requiring human driver oversight are not self-driving and should not be called self-driving.”
I hope that makes it clear.
It is really not a system that I would invest in any time soon. I do enjoy driving otherwise I would not drive from Mexico to Wisconsin and back when we want to visit (That and I can get a lot more in the car for the return trip than I would be allowed to take on an airplane) I enjoy being in control. So for now, they can keep their auto-driven cars.
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I, too, consider driving my onw car a benefit. But, I also recognize that it would be nice to have the car drive me while I enjoy a two hour nap…
I wonder how many will heed the warning to keep their hands on the wheel. I’m not excited about a car on autopilot especially with an un-attentive driver.
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We’ll have to create a new infraction to match DWI (driving while intoxicated)- DTA (Driving thinking it’s automated)
Yeah pretty sure it’s going to be a while until we have 💯 safe self driving vehicles. Good read.
I’m in total agreement, there, Jeri!
These cars are very worrisome to me. Too many people take advantage of the “self-driving” part by not paying attention at all. Napping, reading a book, playing games on a cell phone….all while the car is driving. No thanks.
I agree, Marcia. They are putting US at risk.