MIT Wants To Study ‘Tesla’ By Paying $1,000 To Ride Shotgun [Video]

MIT researchers are currently paying owners of “Tesla” vehicles $1,000 in order to watch them while they drive. These researchers come from the MIT AgeLab and they say that the reason for the study is to help save lives.

The study involves watching drivers in their day-to-day commute, watching how the drivers make use of the many safety features of their vehicles or if they are using them at all. This is one of the goals of the Boston school branch wherein they study how each new vehicle is being used by their respective owners and how well the safety features work for those who are not exactly car enthusiasts.

On their official page, AgeLab explains why they are focusing on “Tesla” vehicles this time and why they are prepared to pay $1,000 just to watch them drive.

“As a Tesla owner, you are driving a car that is defining the future of intelligent vehicle technologies,” the page states. “Your participation will help make that future safer.”

It should be noted that the $1,000 is for the whole year of the study and it’s not just a one-time thing. The researchers also won’t be riding with the driver in person. Rather, they will install cameras to capture the driver’s daily driving routine remotely, along with GPS and telemetry sensors. For drivers who are able to refer other “Tesla” drivers to the program, they get an extra $200.

An article by Digital Trends covering the topic also noted that the specific “Tesla” vehicles being studied are the Model X and Model S. The study is being done only in the Boston area right now, but future studies will go beyond the state.

Drivers of “Tesla” vehicles who are interested in applying for the program can go to the lab’s application page and get more details.