Wall Street Investigates Auto Pilot

Wall Street Journal

Investigates Tesla Autopilot

An investigative report by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on Tesla crashes caught our eye this week. The report used crash data submitted by Tesla to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and cross-referenced it with state accident reports. All told, WSJ evaluated 222 crashes involving Teslas.

Of those 222 crashes, 44 occurred when a Tesla, operating in Autopilot, “veered suddenly.” An additional 31 happened when the vehicles “failed to stop or yield.” Much of the report focuses on Tesla’s use of camera technology to identify surroundings on the road. Tesla relies heavily on cameras to support its automated driving system. However, other manufacturers of autonomous vehicles use a combination of technologies, including cameras, radar, and LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging).

Beyond the hardware issues, the report also cited slow updates to the algorithm used to support the Autopilot system. While all video footage taken during these crashes is transmitted to Tesla, they often cite protecting their proprietary technology as a reason to keep the footage from the public. In reports to NHTSA, much of the data is redacted from public view. In analyzing some of the 222 crashes in the story, the Wall Street Journal used mechanics and hackers to download videos from crashed Teslas. This process requires physically removing the main computer from the vehicle, accessing its data, and pairing it with the video images. [To see how they do it, click the image above.]

The spotlight on Tesla and its Autopilot system is growing hotter. Last summer the Washington Post did their investigation into Tesla crashes. That story, titled: “The Shocking Toll of Tesla’s Autopilot,” included the infamous quote from former NHTSA Safety official Missy Cummings, “It’s very dangerous for motorcycles to be around Teslas.”

While media reports like this may be news to many in America, it’s not news to bikers. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) has been and will remain steadfast in our engagement and focus on this issue.

Stay vigilant!

Ride Safe and Ride Free