Autopilot’s Automatic Lane Change Feature Cuts People Off And Brake Checks Them

Tesla’s Autopilot is probably one of the most famous semi-autonomous driving systems on the market, but it’s not ideal and Consumer Reports is calling a current upgrade potentially dangerous.

According to the organization, Autopilot’s new automatic lane change feature “doesn’t work and might create potential security risks. ”

Included in last month’s Navigate on Autopilot update, the technology promises a “more seamless” driving experience as models equipped with Autopilot can now automatically change lanes. Owners don’t need to confirm the lane changes.

The technology seems like a fantastic idea, but it apparently doesn’t work. According to Consumer Reports, the feature “cut off cars without leaving enough space and even passed other cars . ” The feature is so bad that motorists need to intervene to prevent the car from “making poor decisions. ”

Probably the funniest thing about the system is that it doesn’t seem to realize how fast vehicles are approaching from behind. As a result, lanes can be changed by cars and find themselves in the path of a vehicle.

Even merging is problematic as the group said their Model 3 was “reluctant to merge in heavy traffic” and, when it finally did, the car would frequently instantly apply the brakes to create space between it and the vehicle ahead. In effect, the system cuts other drivers off and then brake checks them.

Consumer Reports’ senior director of auto testing, Jake Fisher, was extremely critical of the technology as he explained “The machine ’s role is to help the motorist, but the way this technology is deployed, it’s the other way around. ” He went on to state the feature “doesn’t appear to react to brake lights or turn signals” from other vehicles and this means motorists to need to be “one step ahead of it. ”

Even though it may not work and owners might expect, Tesla stated its limitations last month. As the firm explained, the feature “doesn’t make a car autonomous” and “motorists are responsible for and must remain in control of their car at all times. ”

Also Read: Consumer Reports Advises Against Relying On Tesla Model S’ Autopilot

& rsquo was won by the system;t change lanes unless hands are detected on the steering wheel and Tesla gives owners the option of requiring a lane shift confirmation if desired. Owners can also set up the system to provide audible and steering wheel vibration alarms (on newer versions ) about upcoming lane changes.

It’s unfortunate rsquo & the technology doesn;t live up to full potential, but the system could potentially improve.

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