TLDR:
Tesla drivers use Fully Self-Driving (FSD) software for ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft Self-driving Tesla carrying Uber passengers crashes in Las Vegas, raising safety concerns FSD The software has limitations and requires driver caution, but some drivers are using it. Regulators currently don’t specifically regulate the use of FSD in ride-hailing services, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said. , plans to announce robotaxi concept on October 10, 2024
Tesla drivers who use ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft are increasingly using the company’s fully self-driving (FSD) software, but the practice has come under scrutiny following the recent Las Vegas crash. It is being
The incident occurred on April 10, 2024, when a Tesla vehicle carrying Uber passengers and operating on FSD collided with an SUV at an intersection.
The accident highlighted the growing use of Tesla’s self-driving technology in ride-hailing services and raised questions about safety and regulation in this emerging field.
Companies like Waymo and Cruise are operating test versions of highly regulated self-driving taxis with human backup drivers, but individual Tesla owners using FSD for ride-hailing are running test versions of highly regulated self-driving taxis with human backup drivers. falls into the gray zone.
FSD, which costs $99 per month, is classified as a partially automated system that requires the driver’s full attention and involvement. However, some ride-hailing drivers report that they can use the software to reduce stress and work longer hours to potentially earn more money. Industry experts estimate that 30% to 40% of Tesla ride-hailing drivers nationwide regularly use FSD while on the job.
The Las Vegas crash involved Tesla driver Justin Yun, who was using FSD while picking up an Uber passenger. Video from inside the car showed the Tesla was unable to slow down when the SUV appeared from a blind spot created by another vehicle. At the last moment, Mr. Yun took the wheel, resulting in a collision that severely damaged the car and left Mr. Yun and his passenger with minor injuries.
The incident sparked a debate about preparing for the widespread use of FSD technology in ride-hailing services. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has ambitious plans for a robotaxi network using FSD as a foundation, but drivers using the current version of the software face limitations. and reporting occasional errors such as unexpected acceleration or braking.
In response to questions about the use of FSD, ride-hailing companies Uber and Lyft said drivers are responsible for the safety of their passengers. Both companies expect their drivers to maintain a safe environment for their passengers and comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reached out to Tesla for additional information regarding the Las Vegas crash, but has not yet issued new regulations or guidelines specifically addressing the use of FSD in ride-hailing services.
California, Nevada, and Arizona state officials also said they currently do not regulate FSD because it falls outside the scope of existing robo-taxi and self-driving vehicle regulations.
Some industry experts and safety advocates say more oversight is needed. David Kidd, a senior fellow at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, suggested that NHTSA should consider providing basic, non-binding guidelines to prevent misuse of such technology.
Some, like Missy Cummings, director of the Center for Autonomous and Robotics at George Mason University, think there may be a need for formal research into how ride-hailing drivers use all driver-assistance technologies, not just FSD. Some people are.
Elon Musk is scheduled to unveil his company’s robotaxi concept on October 10, 2024, which could revolutionize the ride-hailing industry.
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