A Tesla Model S driver claims that the vehicle’s Autopilot system helped him avoid a side-on collision while driving on a motorway in the U.S.
Captured on dashcam, the footage shows the Model S 60 almost getting side-swiped by a silver sedan attempting to change lanes. Evidently, its driver failed to see the Tesla in the blind spot and came within inches of striking the electric sedan.
The vehicle’s side collision warnings immediately alerted the driver of the impending impact but the owner isn’t sure if he took control and steered away or if the car’s ‘self-driving’ system did. Either way, he avoided contact.
According to the driver, “I’m still in shock about this, so I can’t remember if I steered right, or Model S helped me steer the wheel. I only remember there is a chime warning sound and I immediately take the control and try to avoid the collision.”
In recent months, Autopilot has received a lot of bad press following the death of a driver in late May. Since then, multiple Tesla owners have blamed the system for crashes, pressuring the company to alter the system to block drivers who use it incorrectly.