Tesla Crashes Involving Autopilot Mode Soar Since 2019, Report Finds

A report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that Tesla crashes involving its Autopilot mode have significantly risen since 2019. The report disclosed that 9 of the 11 crashes that resulted in deaths since 2016 happened occurring with a Tesla on Autopilot or other driver assistance programs. While Autopilot is not a fully autonomous driving system, it allows the vehicle to automatically steer, accelerate, and brake. The report revealed that drivers can disengage the system, but Tesla’s instructions for doing so remain unclear. The data analysis showed that despite Autopilot’s safety features, it still poses risks to drivers who turn to it too often. According to the NHTSA, there is a need for automakers to develop more effective safety measures to prevent Tesla accidents that involve Autopilot mode. Nevertheless, the report recognized the value of such driver-assistance systems in saving lives when used correctly. This report only confirms that the debate over the safety of autonomous driving systems is far from over. It highlights the importance of car manufacturers to improve the safety of their driver-assistance technologies, ensuring that drivers and passengers avoid fatalities caused by these accidents.