The Dangers of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving Cars & Auto Accidents on the Road

There is no question that some feel apprehensive with the overall safety risk posed by “self-driving” cars. . Unfortunately for others, fully self-driving vehicles are nothing short of a deadly experiment with our lives, including here in Florida.

According to recent estimates, Tesla’s autopilot has been involved with more than 700 crashes since 2019, reflecting more than 400 above what was previously thought. Nearly two-thirds of them occurred just over the last year; since the rollout of the company’s “Full Self-Driving” (FSD) software.  According to the statistics, FSD is ten times more dangerous than your average human driver; In fact, regulators forced the company to recall more than 360,000 FSD-equipped cars and halted any and all new installations of the software after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) deemed it a “crash risk.”

How Is This Allowed?

Many do not understand how it is possible for a product like this to be unleashed on our  roads without first being properly tested and improved;, Many would argue that we are currently in testing mode for this product, and its  drivers, pedestrians, and others on the road who are the test subjects.

In the U.S., companies do not first have to obtain permission when it comes to approving motor vehicles or motor vehicle equipment, such as airbags, nor do our agencies conduct any pre-sale testing of these products. Instead, the law allows these companies to “self-certify” that their products are safe for use, and if something appears amiss, the NHTSA may review or investigate this self-certification.

As a result, “Full Self Driving” vehicles have arguably been allowed to carry out beta testing on public roads used by pedestrians. These initial “Full Self-Driving” vehicles have not been limited to drivers especially trained to operate its equipment (and thus avoid accidents), as it has in other countries. As of last November, any Tesla driver who owned a car and paid $15,000 for the software could drive a “Full Self-Driving” vehicle regardless of their driving record.

Our Florida Car Accident Attorneys Can Help: Contact Us Today

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed by a auto accident with a self-driving car, know that our Florida car accident attorneys are prepared to help. Contact Smith, Ball, Baez & Prather today to set up a free consultation and find out more about our services – we have offices in, Palm Beach County, and the Treasure Coast.

Sources:

jacobin.com/2023/08/lab-rats-elon-musk-self-driving-car-safety-testing-regulations

jacksonville.com/story/news/nation-world/2016/06/30/self-driving-car-driver-killed-florida-collision-first/15715439007/