Tesla, the electric car giant led by billionaire Elon Musk, is actively recruiting individuals in Texas to help refine its controversial Autopilot feature. According to a report by Click2Houston, the company has put out a call for Vehicle Operators, or test drivers, in the Houston area to gather data by driving cars under the supervision of the Autopilot system.
The urgency to enhance the Autopilot feature might stem from its rocky safety record. The advanced driver assistance system is designed to lessen a driver's load and is supposed to increase safety and convenience. Yet, it has been under scrutiny following an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This probe found Tesla's Autopilot to be connected to 956 crashes, some with fatal outcomes. An NHTSA report, as referenced by Click2Houston, indicated that these crashes frequently involved hazards that an attentive driver likely would have been able to avoid.
A separate piece by Chron also highlighted that Tesla's job postings in Houston and Austin suggests the company seeks drivers to operate engineering vehicles specifically for Autopilot testing. These drivers are tasked with writing daily reports on their observations and the issues they encounter, implying that Tesla is committing to a hands-on approach to critically examine and possibly rectify the Autopilot's defects.
Federal authorities continue to express concerns about Tesla's Autopilot. Recently, Gregory Magno, an NHTSA division chief, called out a video on Tesla's site showing a driver with their hands off the wheel. Tesla has since updated its messaging, signaling that the driver must always be prepared to take full control. Amid these ongoing safety reviews, and as reported by Chron, Tesla has updated its Autopilot web page to reflect a more responsible stance, demonstrating a driver with both hands firmly on the wheel.
In light of the election of President-elect Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk's influence, some auto safety advocates hold concerns. Musk has even offered to help with national safety standards for self-driving vehicles. However, with Tesla's recent engagement in transparently addressing Autopilot's shortcomings, the focus remains on how this technology will evolve under regulatory scrutiny and the pursuit of enhanced road safety.
