Tesla driver killed in crash while using car's 'Autopilot'

WASHINGTON (AP) — The first U.S. fatality using self-driving technology took place in May when the driver of a Tesla S sports car operating the vehicle's "Autopilot" automated driving system died after a collision with a truck in Florida, federal officials said Thursday.

The government is investigating the design and performance of Tesla's system.

Preliminary reports indicate the crash occurred when a tractor-trailer rig made a left turn in front of the Tesla at an intersection of a divided highway where there was no traffic light, theNational Highway Traffic Safety Administrationsaid. The Tesla driver died due to injuries sustained in the crash, which took place May 7 in Williston, Florida, the agency said. The city is southwest of Gainesville.

http://www.sfgate.com/business/tech...ng-car-driver-died-after-crash-in-8334982.php

 

Will be interesting to see what comes out of this. What is Tesla's liability? Would the accident still have happened if the human were driving? Sounds like the truck was at fault but these types of questions are what people will be asking as self-driving cars begin to take over

 

Those funny looking rotating sensors on the test self driving cars are the closest thing to giving a 'smart' car a true picture of its surroundings. Tesla's auto-pilot doesn't even come close to that clarity which is why they don't recommend sleeping or eating Mickey d fries at the wheel.

 

I can't even be comfortable when my wife is driving...what kind of maniac would trust AI do drive for them?

 

Can't speak about your wife, but I know some women where I would definitely prefer an AI instead.

EDIT: Now that I think about it, same seems to be valid for many old men and overly aggressive young male drivers.

Probably ten years from now we better make AI mandatory in every new car.

 

AI husband instead of their human husbands?

 

In Europe nobody would be driving this utter crap, if it wasn't for the massive tax breaks.

 

It is the future and will be much safer than idiotic human drivers.

 

Guess we're about to see an interesting series of legal cases about AI and its legal restrictions and assumptions. Funny times are coming, guys!

 

This whole thing isn't even regulated yet, just like drone usage. Technology is ahead of the law. Shouldn't these softwares be government tested/approved first? Why do we trust a bunch of companies that their softwares will be safe?

Also, what about a lose-lose situation when the auto has to decide whom it is going to hurt? Who is deciding the priorities and based on what? For example avoiding a frontal hit but hitting innocent bystanders on the sidewalk or a biker in the next lane...