A Tesla owner and influencer recently attempted to drive a nearly brand-new Model Y coast-to-coast using only the company’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) assistance system. This endeavor was inspired by Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s statement back in 2016, where he had expressed the company’s intention to complete the trip without any interventions to showcase the capabilities of their autonomous driving system.
The ambitious journey was spearheaded by Justin Demaree, known as Bearded Tesla Guy on social media, along with a friend. The duo set off from San Diego, California, activating Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) driver assistance system with hopes of reaching the other coast without any manual intervention.
However, their attempt took a dangerous turn just 60 miles into the trip when the car collided with a metal ramp while traveling at a speed of approximately 75 miles per hour. The impact resulted in significant damage to the vehicle, causing the occupants to experience a moment of airtime. Despite the crash, the journey continued, albeit with visible signs of damage to the car.
Upon closer inspection at a service center in Tucson, Arizona, it was discovered that the high-voltage battery had sustained severe damage, with an estimated repair cost exceeding $22,000. Surprisingly, Tesla covered the cost of the battery replacement under warranty, revealing that the battery had pre-existing issues that were exacerbated by the impact.
While Tesla’s gesture to replace the damaged battery was commendable, the incident highlighted the limitations and potential risks associated with relying solely on the Full Self-Driving system for long-distance travel. Despite claims of successful trips using the system, independent testing has shown that the technology can be unpredictable and occasionally fail to navigate certain scenarios effectively.
Ultimately, the failed coast-to-coast attempt serves as a reminder that Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system is still classified as a Level 2 driver assistance system, requiring constant driver supervision and intervention. As technology continues to evolve, it is crucial for both manufacturers and consumers to understand the capabilities and limitations of autonomous driving systems to ensure safe and responsible usage on the roads. Driving is a privilege that comes with great responsibility. The safety of yourself and others on the road depends on your ability to stay focused and alert at all times. This means the driver must always pay attention to the road and take full responsibility if something goes wrong.
One of the most important aspects of safe driving is staying attentive to your surroundings. This includes keeping your eyes on the road, scanning for potential hazards, and being aware of other vehicles and pedestrians. Distractions such as using a cell phone, eating, or adjusting the radio can significantly increase the risk of an accident. It is crucial to eliminate these distractions and focus solely on the task of driving.
Another key aspect of responsible driving is obeying traffic laws and regulations. This includes following speed limits, yielding the right of way when necessary, and using turn signals to indicate your intentions. Failure to adhere to these laws not only puts yourself at risk, but also endangers the lives of others on the road.
In the event of an accident, the driver must take full responsibility for their actions. This includes providing assistance to anyone who may be injured, exchanging insurance information with other parties involved, and cooperating with law enforcement officers. It is important to remain calm and composed in these situations, as emotions can often run high.
Overall, responsible driving is essential for the safety of everyone on the road. By staying focused, obeying traffic laws, and taking responsibility for your actions, you can help prevent accidents and keep yourself and others out of harm’s way. Remember, driving is a privilege, not a right, and it is up to each individual behind the wheel to ensure the safety of themselves and those around them.