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San Francisco raises Tesla ‘self-driving’ safety concerns as public test nears By Reuters

by Mike Robinson

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© Reuters. FILE PHOTO – A Tesla logo was seen on the vehicle’s body during the Auto Shanghai 2021 media day in Shanghai. REUTERS/Aly Song

By Hyunjoo Jin

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) – San Francisco transport authorities on Thursday raised concerns about the safety record of Tesla (NASDAQ:)’s advanced driver assistant system, as the electric car maker prepared a wide release of a test version of the software that works on city streets and highways.

San Francisco County Transportation Authority (SFCTA), however, disputed the “Full Self-Driving” (FSD) name, saying that it was an advanced driver assistant program and not an autonomous vehicle.

Tilly Chang, the Executive Director at SFCTA stated that a human driver would “continuously monitor Tesla’s FSD system.”

She stated that she was concerned about “the safety record” of this service, as well as the confusing name. DMV, FTC, and NHTSA will continue to analyze the issue and protect the public. 

It is responsible for funding transportation projects and roads in San Francisco. This year, regulatory oversight has been increased due to a number of Tesla accidents, which are currently under investigation by the federal government.

California’s state regulator stated Monday that “Based upon information Tesla provided to the DMV,” the feature did not render the car an autonomous vehicle as per California regulations.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles reiterated that it was “reviewing the company’s use of the term ‘Full Self-Driving’ for its technology.”

Tesla was not immediately available for comment. Last week, Chief Executive Elon Musk said Tesla drivers would be able to request a “beta” version of its “Full Self-Driving (FSD)” software starting Friday. Tesla’s insurance calculator will only allow those who are deemed “good drivers”, to be allowed to use this system.

Tesla caused controversy when it tested the technology on public roads with 2,000 users since October.

Musk stated that the beta users have not been involved in any accidents.

“FSD beta system at times can seem so good that vigilance isn’t necessary, but it is. Also, any beta user who isn’t super careful will get booted,” Musk tweeted.

Beta features allow vehicles to change lanes and navigate on streets, and enable left and right turn.

Tesla said that the FSB beta could do something wrong at any time. Therefore, it’s important that you keep your hands on control of the vehicle.

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