Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software has been under fire recently. Recent tests exposed these recklessly dangerous driving behaviors in closed, controlled environments. The Dawn Project and its coalition of testifying experts ran tests that exposed alarming dangers associated with Tesla’s so-called autonomous driving technology. These dangers are particularly notable in home and school zones. As Tesla moves full speed ahead towards deploying its FSD regardless, the impact of these findings have very serious safety implications.
The testing revealed disturbing examples where a Tesla Model Y equipped with FSD (Supervised) technology failed to stop for a stationary school bus. This disconnect has the potential to spawn dire outcomes in the real world. In addition, the modeling showed that the vehicle would oftentimes behave in unexpected ways, which could result in collisions in crowded conditions common around schools where children walk. Tesla is most known for testing its FSD technology on daily public streets in San Francisco and Austin. The company is hoping to be the first to use this innovative technology to start a commercial robotaxi service.
Ongoing Safety Concerns
Tesla has recently experienced negative press and public backlash over the safety of its autonomous driving technologies. Over the years, numerous accidents and fatalities have been linked to Tesla vehicles operating under the FSD and Autopilot systems. This comes on the heels of the company settling a lawsuit stemming from a tragic 2018 crash that left a pedestrian dead. This was the crash of a Tesla Model X that killed Walter Huang. This tragic crash is a sharp reminder of the potentially deadly hazard posed by Tesla’s experimental driving software.
With both incidents under scrutiny, critics are again asking if Tesla’s safety protocols are up to snuff. They are warning about the sufficiency of the company’s testing protocols. The Dawn Project’s testing further amplifies these concerns by demonstrating four key examples of the FSD technology’s deadly behavior resulting in scenarios that could present extreme danger. With plans to launch a robotaxi service, Tesla must address these safety issues to ensure public trust and compliance with regulations.
Testing in Real-World Conditions
The recent tests conducted by The Dawn Project included various scenarios that the FSD software may encounter in everyday driving conditions. We ran tests as if interacting with stationary objects such as school buses. This provided us with some invaluable insights into how the software responds in nail-biting scenarios. The results proved the technology still has a long way to go. It cannot yet be considered safe enough for widespread use.
As Tesla continues its development of FSD technology, it is crucial for the company to collaborate with independent organizations to conduct thorough assessments. It’s these third-party testers – such as The Dawn Project – who help provide necessary accountability and transparency into the process. They proactively identify and mitigate potential risks to our customers and communities, long before we roll out profitable new services.
Looking Ahead
As during the House hearing, Tesla is under lots of scrutiny for its plans to roll out a robotaxi service, FSD tech-based. The company is facing growing pressure to raise safety standards. The public testing and close examination of its autonomous driving capabilities highlight the need for thorough evaluation procedures. With many eyes watching closely, Tesla must prioritize the safety of its users and adhere to best practices in autonomous vehicle development.
