The latest controversy surrounding Tesla’s push into autonomous driving technology has sparked an investigation by U.S. safety regulators into its “Actually Smart Summon” feature. This feature, which allows drivers to summon their parked vehicles using a smartphone, has been linked to numerous incidents, raising serious questions about the safety of the technology and the potential risks for consumers.
What is the Technology and How Does it Work?
Tesla’s Smart Summon technology, available on nearly 2.6 million vehicles, including the Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y, allows drivers to maneuver their cars into position remotely. However, the technology’s limitations are becoming clear: the cars have been reported to fail to detect obstacles, such as parked cars or posts. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), at least four crashes have been linked to the “Actually Smart Summon” feature, while a dozen other incidents were tied to its predecessor, the “Smart Summon.”
Fortunately, none of these incidents led to injuries, but the investigation is likely to prompt renewed scrutiny over Tesla’s self-driving ambitions and the safety of its technology. In fact, the NHTSA is also investigating Tesla’s more widely-known Autopilot features, which have been linked to some fatal crashes.
Elon Musk has long been an outspoken proponent of self-driving technology, emphasizing its safety and potential to revolutionize transportation. He’s argued that the risk of using Tesla’s autonomous technology is lower than conventional driving. Despite these claims, the investigation into the Smart Summon feature casts doubt on the readiness of this technology for widespread use.
Tesla’s manual advises that Smart Summon is best used in familiar environments, like driveways, and requires a clear line-of-sight between the driver and the car. The company also specifies that Smart Summon is not meant to be used on public roads. However, as the feature is currently in use across millions of vehicles, the safety implications of Tesla’s self-driving technology remain in question.
A Closer Look at the Problem
What is particularly concerning is the lack of oversight in how quickly these vehicles can move while the Smart Summon feature is in use, as well as the apparent lack of restrictions that could prevent drivers from attempting to use it on public roads. This raises a fundamental question: how prepared are Tesla and regulators to handle the real-world consequences of autonomous driving technology when issues like these are still emerging?
This investigation is just the beginning of what could be a much larger discussion around the safety of autonomous driving technology and its place in everyday transportation. The NHTSA’s probe could ultimately lead to a recall, but the larger issue of accountability remains. Who will be responsible if Tesla’s technology causes harm to consumers or the public? How will regulators address the growing concerns over self-driving features that, despite their potential, seem to be outpacing safety protocols?
For Tesla, the pressure is mounting. With numerous investigations into the safety of its autonomous driving features and an administration that has promised to reduce regulation, it’s uncertain how the future of self-driving technology will evolve. As we continue to see more developments, the question remains: Will Tesla’s groundbreaking technology continue to push boundaries, or will safety concerns cause the brakes to be applied?
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The post Tesla’s Smart Summon Dilemma: Who Will Be Held Accountable for Tesla’s Risky Push Into Autonomous Technology? appeared first on Searcy Law.
