Tesla Owners Ignore CEO Musk’s Advice On Autopilot

When Tesla rolled out its new software last week that enables autopilot feature, it urged drivers to exercise caution with the self-driving features and clearly described it as beta version.

Despite the warnings, excited fans took to the road to test the limits of Autopilot, reports MIT Technology Review. They went ahead and posted the videos on YouTube showing them keeping their hands off the steering wheel that led to dangerous situations and near accidents.

In one such video, MIT Technology Review says that a Model S driver admitted to ignoring warnings until the vehicle automatically swerved over the double-yellow dividing lines toward an oncoming vehicle.

“Had I not reacted quickly to jerk the steering wheel in the opposite direction, a devastating head-on collision would have occurred,” he wrote in the YouTube post.

The latest Tesla Version 7.0 software uses forward radar, a forward-looking camera, 12 long-range ultrasonic sensors positioned to sense 16 feet around the car in every direction at all speeds and fast processors that can handle straight-ahead predictable highway driving. Yet, CEO Elon Musk clearly told drivers to keep their hands on the wheel while driving.

“Tesla is very clear with what we’re building, features to assist the driver on the road,” said Khobi Brooklyn, a Tesla spokesperson, in an e-mail. “Similar to the autopilot function in airplanes, drivers need to maintain control and responsibility of their vehicle while enjoying the convenience of Autopilot in Model S.”

Brooklyn added that customers were informed about Autopilot’s functions through release notes that come with every update, an update to the owner’s manual, and e-mails.