Rolling over is not Tesla's fault, it's all Autopilot too "black"

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Since Tesla introduced Autopilot into its vehicles, it has often been seen as the "backseat driver." But what exactly is Autopilot? It's an automated system that helps control a vehicle’s trajectory based on pre-set parameters. Its main role is to maintain stability and assist the driver in maneuvering the car safely. Let’s explore more about this technology with our car electronics editor.

Autopilot isn't just used in cars—it plays a crucial role in drones and even missiles. In drones, it works alongside other navigation systems to complete missions effectively. On missiles, it ensures the missile maintains a stable flight path, making it known as the missile attitude control system. Essentially, Autopilot mimics a human driver by using sensors, computers, and servos. When the vehicle deviates from its intended path, the system detects the change, calculates the necessary correction, and adjusts the controls accordingly.

Recently, there was a reported accident involving a Tesla Model S in central Minnesota. The car reportedly accelerated unexpectedly while traveling eastbound, veered off the road, and rolled into wetlands. Initially, the driver, David Clark, claimed the incident was caused by Autopilot. However, after reflecting and speaking with passengers, he changed his story.

Clark now says that Autopilot wasn’t engaged at the time of the crash. Even if it had been, he takes full responsibility for the vehicle. In an email to the Candijos County government, he expressed regret for initially blaming Autopilot and clarified that he did not intend to shift the blame onto the system.

Rolling over is not Tesla's fault, it's all Autopilot too 'black'

Rolling over is not Tesla's fault, it's all Autopilot too 'black'

"I remember turning on Autopilot at the time, but I also stepped on the accelerator again, which turned it off. Then I looked up and saw the car swerving left, driving off the road and rolling into the wetland. That’s how it felt when the car lost control. (The accident isn’t over yet). I saw tall grass passing by the windshield, and the car took an unusual angle, hitting a small ditch before flipping over."

Clark also thanked Tesla for the safety features in the car, saying that they helped prevent more severe injuries. He emphasized that the five people in the car were seriously hurt, but the system played a role in minimizing the damage.

Rolling over is not Tesla's fault, it's all Autopilot too 'black'

Autopilot Controversy

Since its introduction, Autopilot has been the subject of ongoing debate. After several incidents involving Tesla vehicles, some drivers have quickly blamed the system for accidents. Over the years, there have been multiple reports of sudden acceleration in Tesla models—such as a Model S crashing into a gym in Florida and a Model X running into a beauty salon in California.

In most cases, Tesla has been able to retrieve data from the vehicles, and these records often show that the driver was at fault. Common issues include ignoring warnings or not keeping hands on the wheel. While third-party investigations can help determine the cause, Tesla has generally managed to avoid significant liability.

This article explores the recent incident and the evolving narrative around Autopilot. If you want more updates, stay tuned to our car electronics section. We’ll keep bringing you detailed and timely information on the latest developments in automotive technology.