Whether you have "cruise control" or a self-driving vehicle, as the operator, you are still responsible; thus the charges. If the data shows he was in full control and didn't realize the self-driving mechanism was off, then vehicular manslaughter will be the charge. If found guilty, then under the punishment phase, his time may not be that long, say 2 years or less. And if found guilty, his license won't be suspended. There is a possibility that the jury may acquit him, but we shall see.
And someday we will be able to turn on the autopilot and sleep until Siri turns on the seatbelt light and sings the Wake Up Sleepyhead song.
Pretty sure one has to at least click an agreement that the AI is experimental and Tesla does not guarantee its safety. If this driver can demonstrate he wasnt aware of that, he might have a chance. Otherwise he chose to endanger everyone on the road by engaging it and is responsible for its failure.
Self driving cars that don't really self drive (need operator to be alert) are pointless. Only way they can really be of value is if all vehicles are self driving removing any interference/control from humans
It won't be long before self-driving cars are far safer than human controlled. Humans are blind and insanely slow compared to a well designed car. Tesla surged ahead recklessly instead of waiting for a proven system like the other companies. It isn't the first time the entrepreneurial spirit killed someone. People like Musk often kill other people to achieve their dreams. In a generation, people will find the idea of driving a car or sky car scary! That is what computers are for!!!
Siri can help you find anything. “Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.” Rumi
I’m old enough to remember that promised fantasy. In truth, I would be more content with my very own personal transporter.
I’m sure they are covered six ways from Sunday, but there is the issue of stretching “attractive nuisance” by arguing “Tesla has created the reputation that made driving a Tesla is shared responsibility with no clear lines of demarcation between man and machine.”
In my opinion, the autopilot function should only ever be used on a freeway, where it is less likely there could be unpredictable situations. The incident in this case did not happen on a freeway.
Like all accidents, the registered owner is liable for damages, hence their insurance covers the property issue. As for the driving, the prosecutor will determine that.
https://people.howstuffworks.com/10-common-attractive-nuisances.htm#:~:text=An attractive nuisance is an object, structure or,all five of the following criteria are met: Given that California’s population is quite childish, they are easily attracted to the “new, shiny, or cool”. It could be argued that the ability to “auto drive” is part of Tesla’s attraction and it is an irresistible temptation to California Tesla-weenies.
I understand your apprehension to autonomous driving, but that is already here. https://o.aolcdn.com/engadget/fonts/Guardian-Text-Egyptian-LF-Web-Regular.ttf