A British driver was banned from driving for 18 months because he was caught for not being behind the wheel of his Tesla Model S on the M1 highway last year. Yes, he was so confident with Tesla’s Autopilot system that he decided to take a break and not sit behind the wheel.
Man pleads guilty to dangerous driving after switching on his car’s autopilot and moving over to the passenger seat while travelling along the M1 near #HemelHempstead: https://t.co/GrKppSLVZT pic.twitter.com/JPYgk9eyDM
— Herts Police (@HertsPolice) April 27, 2018
The driver, Bhavesh Patel, said that he was extremely confident that his Tesla could navigate through the traffic which was averaging around 40mph (around 64kmh). The police were not amused and said that his actions were grossly irresponsible.
Tesla has time and time again notified their customers that the Autopilot system is not one which drives the car completely. It merely acts as an assistance system for the driver. They advise that drivers should constantly pay attention to the road and not let their arms leave the steering wheel.
Even if you feel confident about the system, you shouldn’t endanger the lives around you. There have been numerous crash where the cause of it was due to the negligence of the drivers who fully relied on the Autopilot system.
