Tesla to roll out 2nd Generation of Self-Driving technology – “Should we be worried?”

Tesla will be slowly rolling out a second generation of self-driving technology for cars. Ever since their auto-pilot system was involved in an accident resulting in a fatality last year, this updated technology is set to be cautiously and slowly marketed.

But with the problematic history for self-drive cars – something Tesla have been at the heart of – the big question is this: should we be worried about these new self-driving cars, and will they ever be truly safe?

Standing by their technology, Tesla is confident that the semi-autonomous technology they’re creating will be the future. Statistically, Tesla’s crash rate has decreased by 40% since its introduction. The system uses cameras to locate nearby cars and structures so that the vehicle can navigate without crashing, especially when the driver fails to react themselves.

After the accident last year, the new technology update is heavily focused on safety. Tesla needed to market themselves carefully, addressing all the concerns the public had when its technology was related to a fatality. The “Enhanced Auto-Pilot” has ‘meaningful updates’ including:

• Autosteer + : Helps keep the vehicle in lane (but only when going under 45mph for now);
• Adaptive cruise control: Adjusts and maintains speed to match the vehicle in front;
• Forward Collisions warnings in case of imminent collision from the vehicle in front;
• Visible and audible alerts;
• Speed Assist to alert drivers of speed limits;
• Blind Spot Warning.

The most important is perhaps the new sensor on steering wheels. If the driver does not keep their hands on the wheel, it will set off an alarm until the driver places their hands back on the wheel. If this is not done, the vehicle will power down. This is undoubtedly to ensure the driver is ready to take control if needed, and with all the other helpful features, drivers will hopefully not become over reliant of the technology to the point that it could be dangerous.

Tesla’s advice: be cautious!

CEO of Tesla, Elon Musk, even said himself that drivers need to be cautious when trying out the new features. Even though the company is behind schedule, with a linked fatality still fresh in the public’s minds, Tesla is right to take it slow and make sure all risk assessments are done thoroughly and are attended to. To be deemed safe for the roads, Tesla cars must be able to interact with other cars safely, especially on fast roads like motorways.

Tesla’s confidence in the self-drive technology has prompted a move to make all of their cars have the updated hardware; with an option to initiate the software for $8,000. The update will activate the extra cameras and sensors.

With such advanced technology, sceptics can’t help but be wary of trusting a motorised machine driving itself on busy roads. Driving is not always a mechanical thing, and for now, it still requires human interaction. With self-drive technology, will generous drivers find it difficult to give way at mini roundabouts, or to pedestrians trying to cross roads?

Musk is right to be cautious and bring the new update slowly as drivers need to adapt to the new technology. Generations of driving cannot be so easily convinced. Tesla’s new marketing needs to heavily incorporate the message that the technology is a supplement to the driver, not a replacement.

But still, the fundamental question remains: is it safe? As in, truly safe?

Should we be worried?