Self-Driving Tesla Accident Raises Concerns

By Akash Sriram and Abhirup Roy

A self-driving Tesla carrying a passenger for Uber rammed into an SUV at an intersection in suburban Las Vegas in April, igniting concerns over the safety of autonomous vehicles operating in a regulatory gray area, especially with ride-hailing.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk is set to reveal plans for a robotaxi on October 10, aiming for a network of self-driving cars owned by individuals. However, ride-hail drivers using Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software report issues with its effectiveness, despite paying $99 per month for the service. Many find it reduces stress and increases earnings, despite shortcomings in complex driving scenarios.

Federal safety officials are investigating the incident, where the other driver was deemed at fault for not yielding. Tesla’s FSD software, which requires driver oversight, failed to slow the vehicle in time as an SUV emerged unexpectedly.

Uber and Lyft emphasize that drivers must maintain safety and be ready to take control. While FSD is designed for partial automation, it has attracted scrutiny following fatal accidents involving Tesla. Currently, no regulations specifically address its use in ride-hailing.

Despite concerns, many drivers continue to use FSD, with reports suggesting that 30%-40% regularly utilize it. Industry experts call for oversight and guidelines regarding the use of driver-assistance technologies in ride-hailing.

As the tech evolves, ride-hail drivers look forward to a future where they can rely fully on autonomous systems for their work, hoping for a day when their cars operate independently.