But if Tesla is aware that certain parts of the road are more likely to cause incidents and they haven't communicated that. Well sounds to me like that would be criminally negligent.
So like when a manufacturer puts a label on a set of knives saying “warning, bottom edge is sharp” something like that? Except popping up on the screen as you drive every five seconds so you can read about the hazards you are seeing outside the windows?
Nanny car, anyone?
I think drivers are already well aware that roads contain an ever changing variety of risks, and they can see the signs of these risks with their eyes.
The driver in this case was acutely aware that the beta software could not yet properly handle that segment of road. So much so that he even visited the Tesla service center specifically to let them know about the issue.
Oh okay then let's tell people every five seconds what to do or not do with each knob and button in every car. Or why not every two seconds? Maybe one?
Forget Tesla, we should have these warnings in all cars!
"You are entering a curve. It may be unsafe to let go of the steering wheel here especially if you don't have autopilot."
"You have encountered another patch of snow. The wheels might slip on this spot. Autopilot will handle it just fine but in case it doesn't, stay attentive and keep your hands on the wheel."
"You are starting to go downhill. Warning: brakes may be required."
"The road is curving to the left 7 degrees. At this time and date the sun's rays will be entering your windshield at an angle that may obscure your view of distant objects to your right."
"Last night's rain left some fallen wet leaves strewn on the opposite side of the roadway. Watch for oncoming cars who have lost control due to conditions."
"Your blood sugar is getting low. Please get something to eat. And you haven't called your mother in a week. Make sure you call her soon to prevent dangerous distraction from incoming calls."
These warnings are very important, people are dying in droves, there are at least 2 reported incidents, from all car companies not telling everyone about what they can see for themselves.
I mean come on, it's a 1 tonne metal structure hurtling down the freeway at 100km/h I'm telling you. People are dying and it's all down to the car companies not providing these messages, which we totally have time to read while driving, every one second.
Surely there's some sort of "autopilot does not work on all roads" disclaimer, right? That's why you're supposed to keep your hands on the wheel and pay attention.
But if Tesla is aware that certain parts of the road are more likely to cause incidents and they haven't communicated that. Well sounds to me like that would be criminally negligent.