A safety watchdog, The Dawn Project, is pushing for an immediate prohibition on Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software. Alarming statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveal that this technology has been involved in 50 fatalities and is currently under multifaceted investigation.
What’s Going On?
Following Tesla’s introduction of Robotaxis in Austin, Texas, the Dawn Project reached out to lawmakers on July 8, calling for an outright ban of FSD on public roads due to significant safety issues uncovered during their tests, as detailed in a press release.
The group’s tests highlighted numerous failures, including a Tesla ignoring a school bus with red lights and stop signs and repeatedly hitting a child-sized mannequin in eight trials. Furthermore, in a recent incident in 2023, a 17-year-old named Tillman Mitchell sustained severe injuries after a crash with similar circumstances, as reported by CBS News.
According to the report shared with Congress, the Dawn Project is insisting that lawmakers take drastic measures to shield the public from the risks associated with Tesla’s Full Self-Driving until it is unequivocally proven to be safe.
This advocacy group, founded in 2021 by security expert Dan O’Dowd, focuses on identifying critical safety errors connected to FSD and Robotaxi operations, and its mission is to ensure that systems crucial for safety are sound and secure.
O’Dowd expressed grave concerns, stating, “It is only a matter of time before a child is killed while getting off a school bus because of Elon Musk and Tesla’s blatant disregard for public safety,” as indicated in the press release.
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Why Does This Matter?
The uptake of electric vehicles is on the rise as drivers seek ways to save money and contribute to battling climate change, which is exacerbated by the reliance on polluting energy like gas, oil, and coal that contribute extensively to the overheating of our planet.
However, if safety concerns surrounding these vehicles aren’t addressed, the transition to cleaner energy sources could be jeopardized. It’s crucial to act now to avert scenarios of disastrous interpersonal human impacts resulting from rising temperatures and escalating natural disasters resulting from climate change.
Tesla’s Full Self-Driving issues can have broader repercussions, especially given the company’s prominent role in the electric vehicle sector, alongside a current dip in sales amidst CEO Musk’s controversial political involvement, which may deter consumers from choosing electric vehicles.
What’s the Response to FSD Concerns?
Despite Musk’s claims of FSD offering autonomy to drivers, regulators have backpedaled, demanding that Tesla clarify the necessity for driver attention, particularly under favorable driving conditions. The Dawn Project underscored these “misleading and deceptive” marketing practices, emphasizing the need for legislation to prevent consumers from mistakenly trusting the system while risking lives on the roads.
If you’re in the market for an electric vehicle, there are plenty of alternatives available besides Tesla, and many drivers are opting not to enable FSD. Making the switch to an electric vehicle can help save approximately $1,500 every year in fuel and maintenance costs, particularly if you incorporate charging solutions from home solar systems.
Additionally, EVs have started to become nearly as affordable as traditional gas-powered cars, with the added benefit of a $7,500 federal tax credit still up for grabs, just be sure to purchase one before September 30.
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Urgent Call for Ban on Tesla’s Self-Driving Tech Amid Safety Concerns first appeared on The Cool Down.
