Massive Recall of Full-Driving System Teslas
A recall of all 363,000 U.S. Teslas equipped with the carmaker’s self-driving software threatens the safety of all riders, another blow to the business model at the heart of Tesla’s operations. The company says it identified 18 incidents that may be related to these conditions from May 8, 2019, to September 12, 2022. According to the company, no injuries or deaths were reported as a result of those incidents.
Multiple Accidents Reported in Self-Driving Vehicles
Tesla’s driver assist systems have been implicated in at least 273 accidents as identified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Self-driving cars navigate local roads by braking, steering and accelerating, but a human driver must always be ready to take over quickly since the system reportedly makes judgment mistakes. Using its analysis, the NHTSA concluded that Tesla’s FSD feature was “inadequately adhering to traffic safety laws” and posing an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.
Intersections Are of Special Concern
In the FSD Beta system, vehicles may perform unsafely around intersections, including passing through in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without stopping completely or approaching an intersection with a yellow light without caution, the recall notice stated, which is posted on NHTSA’s website. Using an over-the-air software update, Tesla plans to fix the FSD feature, which costs about $15,000 to repair.
Despite Musk’s silence on the matter, he tweeted that “the word “recall” applied to an over-the-air software update is anachronistic and wrong!” A manufacturer must initiate a recall if a repair, including a software update, remedies an unreasonable safety risk, according to NHTSA. The agency plans to “continue to monitor the recall remedies for effectiveness.” In the notice, it said that the problem affects all Teslas with FSD software versions 2.2, 2.2A, 2.2B, and 2.2C.
Why the Recalled Teslas With Faulty Self-Driving Software Can Be Dangerous
The recalled Tesla vehicles with faulty self-driving software can be incredibly dangerous if the problem is not properly addressed. The autopilot and advanced driver assistance systems are designed to help drivers safely navigate various roads and terrains, but when these automated driving technologies fail, it could result in devastating consequences. Without proper functionality, these vehicles could risk swerving out of their lane, running red lights and not detecting potential dangers ahead. This can put both the driver and others on the road in serious danger. Furthermore, a faulty self-driving system also means that the car may be unable to detect obstacles properly, such as pedestrians, making it a major hazard to everyone’s safety.
Recalled Teslas With Faulty Self-Driving Software Are Especially Dangerous at Intersections
Due to the software defect, Teslas may also react inappropriately to traffic lights, stop signs and other road rules. This is especially concerning when crossing intersections because of the potential for serious accidents involving multiple vehicles, bicyclists and others. To make matters worse, this issue may not be immediately apparent to the driver, as the car will still operate normally until it reaches an intersection.
Drivers should be aware of and respond accordingly to any potential risks associated with their vehicle until the problem is fixed. Additionally, Tesla recommends drivers manually monitor their car’s behavior when crossing intersections as an extra layer of safety.
Personal Injury Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, a personal injury lawyer. Faulty software in a self-driving vehicle can lead to serious injuries and fatalities. The company may be held responsible if the vehicle was the cause. Contact us for free and friendly advice and to have your case reviewed at (916) 912-6400. From long distance, we can be reached either at (800) 404-5400 or online.
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