Tesla just started rolling out its 8.0 software update to Model S and Model X owners and among the key changes are safety improvements to Autopilot.
As previously reported, the semi-autonomous driving system now has the ability to block a driver from using it if not used correctly. In fact, it will lock out a driver from re-engaging Autopilot until the vehicle is parked and now we know just what this looks like.
One Model S owner recently took to the highway to test out the Autopilot improvements and how it goes about alerting drivers to hold the wheel when necessary. While cruising on a relatively straight stretch of tarmac with little traffic and clearly marked lanes, it takes four minutes and 27 seconds for Autopilot to instruct the driver to hold the steering wheel.
Alongside this alert, the edge of the digital gauge cluster begins to flash white and soon, starts to beep. If the alert is ignored, there are then two further sets of beeps before a red alert warns the driver that Autosteer is unavailable for the rest of the drive and that the driver needs to take control of the steering.
Alongside the implementation of this new safety feature, the updated Autopilot system now relies primarily on the vehicle’s radar system, rather than its cameras. Elon Musk believes that the updates could have saved the life of Joshua Brown who was killed in an Autopilot-related crash earlier this year.