In a recent study released by the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving technology, along with nine other assisted-driving systems from major automakers, have been rated as “poor.” The IIHS, which serves as a safety research arm for the insurance industry, has raised concerns over the actual safety benefits of these advanced driving systems.
The study’s findings are particularly significant as they challenge the claims made by Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk, regarding the efficacy of their automated driving technology. Tesla has previously stated that vehicles operating with Autopilot are approximately 10 times safer than the average U.S. vehicle and five times safer than a Tesla without the technology activated.
However, IIHS President David Harkey presented a contrasting view based on insurance claims data. “We have been able to look at vehicles with and without these [systems] and determine there is no reduction in claims as a result of these more advanced systems,” Harkey explained to Reuters. This statement suggests that despite the advanced nature of these technologies, they may not be significantly contributing to road safety.
In contrast, Harkey highlighted the proven effectiveness of automatic emergency braking systems, which have been shown to reduce rear-end collisions by 50% and incidents involving a vehicle striking a pedestrian by 30%.
The report comes at a time when federal regulators are investigating nearly 1,000 accidents where Tesla’s Autopilot was engaged. Moreover, a civil case in California is set to go to trial next week, which will further scrutinize Tesla’s defense that drivers are responsible for crashes when not adhering to warnings to stay attentive while using Autopilot or Full Self-Driving technology.
This development raises questions about the future of automated driving systems and their role in enhancing vehicular safety. As the industry continues to evolve, the findings from the IIHS study may influence consumer trust and regulatory approaches towards these technologies.
