Autopilot Warning May Not Help Tesla in Crash Defense


  • July 18, 2016 at 1:39 pm
    Jack Kanapuh says:
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    They should have picked a different name for the product. Autopilot means to us that the airplane is flying itself on the course set. Anyone who has seen the movie Airplane knows this!

    I know it is a car and not a plane, but the meaning of autopilot remains the same.

    • October 9, 2020 at 6:48 pm
      Kellie Kulton says:
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      Jack, Can you tell me what the origin of your last name is? I am doing some research and that name came up but I hit a dead end.
      Many thanks in advance.

  • July 18, 2016 at 3:53 pm
    confused says:
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    An autopilot is a system used to control the trajectory of a vehicle without constant ‘hands-on’ control by a human operator being required. Autopilots do not replace a human operator, but assist them in controlling the vehicle, allowing them to focus on broader aspects of operation, such as monitoring the trajectory, weather and systems.

    the definition still correctly applies to Tesla’s autopilot feature. they just need to do a better job of explaining the technology to the owner/operator as autopilot does NOT replace a human operator nor relieve them from having to take control if hazards exist.

  • July 18, 2016 at 5:34 pm
    Ron Sexton says:
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    It is not in ‘fine print’ and is extremely obvious and requires manual acceptance to activate and use.
    As for the name, it is just a name.
    And autopilot has never meant it drives itself as anyone who has ever flown a plane or used a boat knows. It is an imperfect assistance only.
    Someone sees a movie, Airplane of all things, and think they know about using autopilot on a plane. Another case of someone saw a movie so they are an expert. Like the old cowboy with a six shooter that shoots a fly off a horses rear at 100 yards. They believe it! Heck and they don’t even have to really aim. They just use the ‘cowboy force’! We beleive!!! Sheesh!

  • July 19, 2016 at 9:34 am
    CommonSense says:
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    I’ve seen insureds with far fewer liability issues get hammered by a jury. After all, what is the point of having an “autopilot” if the driver still has to keep his hands on the wheel, pay attention to the road and be prepared to accelerate or brake just as he would without “autopilot”? I think most people would agree that the only purpose of an “autopilot” would be to relieve the driver of those responsibilities.

    My guess is that Tesla will pay a premium to quietly settle these cases. Then “Autopilot” will be renamed “Driver Assist” or something more innocuous or maybe they will program it to only work if the driver’s hands remain on the wheel.

    Remember, we are living in the society where jury verdicts brought you warning tags on hair dryers that say “do not use in shower”.

    • July 19, 2016 at 4:23 pm
      Agent says:
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      Common Sense, did you see the first story on an accident where the driver was using Pokémon Go while driving and had an accident? The 28 year old Millenial thought the car would just drive itself while he was playing with his game. Honestly, people are just so stupid these days.

      • July 20, 2016 at 3:15 pm
        too easy says:
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        “Honestly, people are just so stupid these days.” We know – we read your posts every day on this site.
        -confused

        • July 20, 2016 at 4:01 pm
          Agent says:
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          Way to go Millenial dufus. Now, go back to playing with your Pokémon Go. It keeps you “confused” on life and how to be a good man. How about you denying you are a Bernie supporter for me? I haven’t gotten an answer yet.



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