Tesla’s automated assist now includes chill and assertive driving modes.
The latest update from Tesla shows that the Full Self-Driving (Beta) profiles are back. The profile will follow other cars at a smaller distance, change lanes more frequently, and will not exit overtaking lanes. The system may also perform rolling stops.
The driver actions mentioned above are usually discouraged by safety groups. However, a motor safety expert said it could be safe for an automated system to be more assertive.
The three driving profiles, chill, average, and assertive, were initially released in October 2021. That update, however, was withdrawn quickly due to issues with traffic light left turns, unexpected stopping, etc.
The Verge first reported the update. Likewise, a screenshot of the latest release was posted on Twitter by David Zipper, a technology writer and researcher.
As quoted in the Tweet, the assertive mode was described as “Your Model X will have a smaller follow distance, perform lane changes at frequent speed, will not exit overtaking lanes.
Theoretically Safer
Said behaviors have been slammed on social media due to safety issues.
However, Matthew Avery from the UK’s Thatcham Research said that well-designed self-driving systems are potentially safer than a human driver. Mr. Avery said that they eliminate human error. So, if more assertive driving encourages more drivers to adopt self-driving systems, that could be safer.
“If we want full implementation of automation, drivers are going to expect the capabilities of the FSD vehicles, with the ability to make decisions close to those of human drivers.” – Matthew Avery.
Human drivers experience bottlenecks frequently. For example, when one pulls over in a single-lane road or at a four-way interaction, one driver must make a move first. And, two cautious self-driving cars might both wait for the other to move. These functionalities are still to be discovered by manufacturers, Mr. Avery explained.
However, Mr. Avery warned that it depends on how assertive the system would be and said it must prevent aggressive driving. He believes that today’s technology is not sophisticated enough to draw a line between assertive and aggressive driving.
Rolling Stop
Generally, a rolling stop means a vehicle doesn’t come to a complete halt at a stop sign, but it’s not yet clear if that’s what Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) will adopt.
Tesla’s FSD feature is currently only available in the US as part of a beta test. But in the US, where most states implement right-hand driving, it is prohibited to leave the right-hand lane unless overtaking. Also, in the UK, the Highway Code states that motorists should always stay in the left lane unless overtaking. Motorists can only return to the left when it is safe to do so.
It is not clear if this latest update by Tesla will consider national or state-based traffic rules, particularly on overtaking lanes and rolling stops. The driving modes have not been tested enough to prove how to take these things into account.
Sadly, Tesla has removed its media relations unit and does not respond to queries from the press.
Tesla’s FSD has been subject to criticism. Issues with crashes and incidents involving the technology recently gained widespread media attention. CEO Elon Musk disclosed that Tesla would be raising the price of FSD from $10,000 to $12,000, despite being in the beta stage. As pointed out in previous news, the name “Full Self-Driving” is misleading, as FSD does not offer actual Level 4 self-driving but simply Level 2 advanced driver assistance.
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