The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into 2.56 million Tesla vehicles after several crashes involving the automaker's "Actual Smart Summon" remote parking feature.
What is Actual Smart Summon?
Tesla released Actual Smart Summon, or ASS for short, via software update in September. It allows Tesla owners to use their app to command the vehicle drive itself to them, using only the car's cameras. The previous version, Smart Summon, also relied on ultrasonic sensors, which are not included on newer vehicles.
NHTSA Investigation
The NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received one complaint alleging that the ASS feature resulted in a crash and has reviewed at least three media reports of similar crashes.
"All four incidents involve the subject Tesla vehicles operating in [ASS] failing to detect posts or parked vehicles, resulting in a crash," reads the report.
The report also states that the office received 12 Smart Summon-related complaints alleging a crash typology similar to the crashes experienced by ASS users, all of which left drivers with little time to react to avoid a crash.
What is the NHTSA Investigating?
The NHTSA is investigating the safety of Tesla's Actual Smart Summon feature. The agency is looking into whether the feature is able to detect and avoid obstacles, such as posts and parked vehicles. The NHTSA is also investigating whether the feature provides drivers with enough time to react to avoid a crash.
What are the Risks of Using Actual Smart Summon?
The NHTSA's investigation highlights the risks of using Actual Smart Summon. The feature is not foolproof, and it is possible for the vehicle to crash if it is unable to detect and avoid obstacles. Drivers should be aware of the risks of using Actual Smart Summon and should only use the feature in safe conditions.
What Should Tesla Do?
Tesla should take steps to improve the safety of Actual Smart Summon. The company could do this by making the feature more reliable and by providing drivers with more information about the risks of using the feature. Tesla should also consider disabling Actual Smart Summon until the NHTSA completes its investigation.
What Should Drivers Do?
Drivers should be aware of the risks of using Actual Smart Summon. The feature is not foolproof, and it is possible for the vehicle to crash if it is unable to detect and avoid obstacles. Drivers should only use Actual Smart Summon in safe conditions.
Conclusion
The NHTSA's investigation into Tesla's Actual Smart Summon is ongoing. The agency has not yet released any findings from its investigation. However, the investigation highlights the risks of using Actual Smart Summon. Drivers should be aware of these risks and should only use the feature in safe conditions.
إرسال تعليق