Tesla Model S driver using autopilot arrested for falling asleep while driving at 90 mph

Tesla’s autopilot alarm is a helpful feature for drivers to increase the pleasure of driving and add a layer of vehicle safety. However, stories about irresponsible users have been circulating in the news on occasion, this time from the owner of a 2019 Model S in Alberta, Canada. On Thursday, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) announced the arrest, suspension and court summons of a young driver from British Columbia for using his Tesla autopilot while he was asleep. The all-electric sedan reached a top speed of 90 mph during the July 9, 2020 incident.

“There was a complaint that the car was speeding on the Heavy 2 near Alberta RCMP # Bono. The car appeared to be self-driving, traveling at 140km / h, with both front seats fully reclined & occupants asleep, ”the RCMP official Twitter account detailed. “The driver received a dangerous driving fee and a summons to court.”

The car was reportedly speeding on the Heavy 2 near the Alberta RCMP #Ponoca. The car appeared to be self-driving, traveling at 140km / h, both front seats were fully tilted & the occupants were asleep. The driver received a dangerous driving fee and a summons to court pic.twitter.com/tr0RohJDH1

– .சிRCMPAlberta September 17, 2020

The Tesla Model S is said to have automatically accelerated from about 87 mph to about 93 mph when approached by a police vehicle. No injuries were reported from the incident.

A More detailed report It is noteworthy on the RCMP website that the 20-year-old driver received a 24-hour license suspension for fatigue after being towed. In addition, the driver’s court date for resolving the charges is set for December. “Even though manufacturers of new vehicles have built in safety features to prevent them from using new safety features in their vehicles, those systems are – auxiliary safety systems,” said Gary Graham, Superintendent of Transport Services at Alberta RCMP. “They are not self-driving systems, they are still responsible for driving.”

Some responses to RCMP’s Twitter post suggested that two Tesla Model S residents might pull off a mischief for onlookers and police, but the lack of road awareness during the event was even more dangerous regardless of motive. This is obvious Goes against Tesla’s user manual With frequent and emphatic reminders that this feature would not work without human supervision at this time. As any automated pilot user can attest, vehicles are reminded to be alert, put their hands on the wheel if they do not detect their presence for a few seconds, increase visual and audible alerts, and eventually expel the driver from the feature. The duration of the trip if repeatedly ignored.

However, Tesla’s ability to handle the automated pilot system is being used despite warnings against such action, and harsh criticism has been leveled at the electric car maker. For example, last December Massachusetts Democrat U.S. Senator Ed Margie The company demanded that the feature be disabled Until its ‘defects’ are corrected.

“This technology will continue to be harmful until Tesla takes action to repair the faulty system and ensure drivers are focused,” Marquez wrote on Twitter. “That’s why Tesla sent a letter to the police asking them to take action to protect the public.” His comments were in response to a car crash in which the driver was reportedly testing his dog in the back seat at the time of the collision.

For those who need any help understanding the safety precautions required when using an autopilot, or for a little laugh, Deslarati has added something for the occasion:Tesla Hitchhiker’s Guide to Using Your Automated Pilot Experience“