What's happened
A 56-year-old Tesla Model S driver using Autopilot hit and killed a motorcyclist near Seattle. Federal regulators are investigating whether Tesla's December recall of two million vehicles was sufficient. Tesla has reduced the price of its 'Full Self Driving' feature from $12,000 to $8,000.
Why it matters
The fatal accident involving Tesla's Autopilot raises concerns about the technology's safety and the need for stricter regulations. The investigation into Tesla's recall and the price reduction of the 'Full Self Driving' feature highlight the ongoing debate around autonomous driving systems and their impact on road safety.
What the papers say
Business Insider reported that the driver was arrested for vehicular homicide due to inattention while using Autopilot and a cell phone. The Independent highlighted the driver's admission of using Autopilot and a cellphone, leading to the fatal crash. Ars Technica discussed Tesla's price reduction of the 'Full Self Driving' feature and the safety concerns surrounding autonomous driving systems.
How we got here
Tesla's Autopilot system is a driver-assist technology that aims to enhance road safety and driver convenience. However, incidents like the recent fatal accident near Seattle have raised questions about the system's reliability and the need for stricter regulations. Tesla has faced scrutiny over the safety of its autonomous driving features, leading to recalls and investigations by regulatory authorities.
Common question
More on these topics
-
Tesla, Inc. is an American electric vehicle and clean energy company based in Palo Alto, California. The company specializes in electric vehicle manufacturing, battery energy storage from home to grid scale and, through its acquisition of SolarCity, solar
-
An autopilot is a system used to control the trajectory of an aircraft, marine craft or spacecraft without requiring constant manual control by a human operator. Autopilot does not replace human operators.