Tesla car unlocks self-driving mode for US users

With a new software version, Tesla car drivers can activate the FSD self-driving mode. But there is a security check before release.

The US electric car manufacturer Tesla is in principle activating its software package for autonomous driving for all US users. With the installation of the software version 2021.32.22. It will be possible to activate the Full Self-Driving (FSD) beta, US media reported, citing Tesla drivers. However, the function is only activated after a “security check”. Also, the model is just accessible in the USA for the present.

Tesla boss Elon Musk had already announced the release for all users last May. So far, the “full potential for autonomous driving” has only been accessible to a few testers. There were delays, among other things, because of Tesla’s waiver of radar sensors. Which other manufacturers reject when it comes to autonomous driving.

Screenshots posted by users on Twitter read about “limited early access to Full Self-Driving Beta”. It goes on to say: “The Tesla team will analyze your vehicle’s driving data to determine your suitability.” The safety value (“safety score”) can be viewed at any time in the Tesla app. After the suitability has been confirmed, the vehicle will receive another software update.

This is how Tesla calculates the safety value

According to Tesla car, the safety value is calculated based on five factors. These include collision warnings per 1,000 miles, emergency braking, aggressive acceleration to the right or left, tailgating, and forced autopilot shutdown. According to Tesla, the formula for calculating the value was calculated based on six billion kilometers driven by Tesla vehicles.

Users must agree to the evaluation of their vehicle data. They are also informed that they must constantly monitor the traffic situation and keep their hands on the steering wheel when the self-driving mode is activated. “FSD Beta will not make my car autonomous,” the notice reads. In addition, access to the software can be revoked at any time.

Two weeks ago, Tesla released version 10 of the FSD software. According to initial reports, the car should drive better in off-highway situations.

Criticism from consumer advocates

Despite the warnings, consumer advocates continue to view the function critically. In July 2021, US consumer advocates criticized the software for lacking safety precautions. They expected that Tesla drivers and other street clients would be in danger assuming the product was utilized on open streets.

The experts looked at videos on social media taken by drivers trying out the system. These include situations in which the vehicles cut curves, touch bushes on the side of the road, and head towards parked cars.

“Purchasers are essentially paying as test specialists to foster innovation without satisfactory security,” said Jake Fisher, ranking executive of Consumer Reports’ Auto Test Center. “It’s not enough for Tesla to just ask people to pay attention – the system needs to make sure they’re alert when the system is operating.”

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