CHP: Drunk driver slept while Tesla appeared to drive Hwy 101 on autopilot

https://www.sfgate.com/crime/article/Drunk-driver-slept-while-Tesla-drove-Hwy-101-on-13435295.php

by olivermarks • 8 years ago

13 5 8 years ago

typon• 8 years ago

This is straight out of a movie. I don't know if I should be shocked, amazed, or appalled.

gfodor• 8 years ago

It seems unlikely he was completely asleep the whole time because, as the article states, autopilot will disengage after a warning period. If I had to guess I bet he was waking up periodically to nudge the wheel to keep the thing going.

jstanley• 8 years ago

Or he just learned to nudge it in his sleep in response to the alarm, the same way people accidentally learn to snooze their alarm clocks without waking up.

sctb• 8 years ago

Previous discussion: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=18575586.

quizme2000• 8 years ago

It's "edge" cases like this that demonstrate how complex it is for software to coordinate with chaos of real-world environments.

According to a CA State Trooper, "The state law says that upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle the driver shall immediately drive to a position parallel to, and as close as possible to, the right-hand edge or curb of the highway clear of any intersection, and shall stop and remain in this position until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed, except when otherwise directed by a police officer. The driver of another vehicle on a one-way roadway shall drive to the closest edge or curb and stop."

My idea would be to add an indicator light at both licence plates that indicates an autonomous control in effect.

The state should require all semi or fully vehicles have a special registration to provide an ability for LE to disable the car in an emergency or to intercept criminal activity.

CHP: Drunk driver slept while Tesla appeared to drive Hwy 101 on autopilot

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