Tesla’s robotaxi service has launched on the streets of Austin, Texas, but its debut is marred by safety concerns and viral videos showcasing apparent mishaps. The company’s prototype, which operates with an employee in the front passenger seat who can stop the car with a button if necessary, has been criticized for breaking traffic laws and putting people in danger.
Experts say it’s too early to judge the success or failure of the venture, but federal regulators and local politicians are concerned about several incidents documented on camera. Tesla did not respond to requests for comment on how the service is going, leaving many questions unanswered.
Videos have emerged showing Tesla robotaxis traveling faster than posted speed limits, braking suddenly, and even pulling over in the middle of intersections. NBC News found 13 instances where a Tesla appeared to break rules or make mistakes, but it’s unclear whether Tesla could face local consequences for such incidents.
The city council has expressed worries about the safety of Austinites, with member Vanessa Fuentes saying “they have proven that the technology they have is unsafe for Austinites.” Another council member, Zo Qadri, described the situation as chaotic and said residents are worried. Local politicians, including Texas state Rep. Vikki Goodwin, are calling for caution and urging Tesla to take safety measures seriously.
The launch of Tesla’s robotaxi service comes as Waymo, a rival autonomous vehicle company, has been operating its robotaxis safely in several cities. Elon Musk’s fans have defended the service, but many experts say that individual demonstrations don’t matter – it’s statistics over millions of miles that count. The debate between Tesla and Waymo fans on Reddit is heating up, with some users calling for a truce and others pushing back against what they see as disinformation.
While Tesla aims to compete with Waymo by expanding its robotaxis fleet, the service remains invite-only, and only a handful of cars are on the road. The public’s knowledge about the safety incidents mainly comes from Tesla sending invitations to online influencers, who have shared their experiences on social media.
Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/innovation/tesla-robotaxi-incidents-spark-confusion-concerns-austin-rcna215909