Tesla Recall: ‘Full Self-Driving’ Software Runs Stop Signs
SnopesSep 11, 2021
The Facts
Tesla has recalled nearly 54,000 cars from its Full Self-Driving (FSD) beta program for software updating.
The cars are currently programmed to execute rolling stops at intersections under certain conditions.
The Spin
Narrative A
This is the latest in a long series of flaws making Tesla's ambitious goal of fully-autonomous vehicles -- which it's staked its reputation on -- ever more distant. It's ridiculous that Musk had to have such a basic (and illegal) safety concern pointed out to him.
Narrative B
This is senseless. The rules were designed with flawed humans in mind, and even then rolling stops usually aren't that dangerous. Besides, there are a number of unwritten rules and exceptions for humans; why shouldn't it be the same for robocars?