Self-driving safety score
Tesla drivers who want to deploy version 10.1 of the automaker’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software will need to prove they have been a safe driver for the last consecutive days. Then, they can simply press a button to receive the beta software.
Drivers’ safety scores are determined by Tesla using a weighted mathematical formula which tracks driving habits such as hard braking or aggressive turning, beaming that data back to the automaker wirelessly via sensors in the cars.
The FSD can help drivers automate certain driving tasks, such as accelerating, braking, changing lanes and parking.
The latest update of this software has been described as an improvement on the past version, though Tesla has not released specifics on new features or improvements. Version 10.2 of the FSD is already expected to be released to drivers who meet the safety score required.
Experts are concerned about self-driving technology
Tesla is no stranger to negative news coverage when it comes to its self-driving technology.
It’s likely that the automaker is making FSD available to its ‘safe’ drivers as a response to negative reviews. Tesla wants to show that it cares about driver safety by only allowing what its technology deems the safest drivers.
However, experts aren’t convinced that Tesla’s data-gathering and safety score test are enough to determine whether a driver is safe behind the wheel.
A better test would be to ensure that drivers are paying attention to the road, even with autonomous features turned on, just in case driver intervention is needed.
And so far, tests have shown that Autopilot and other Tesla tech lags behind in keeping its drivers engaged with their autonomous systems.
