Crashes of Telsa vehicles using their "Auto-Pilot' software have been in the news again lately and I am wondering how others feel about sharing our roads and highways with software driven vehicles. While I realize that the manufacturer says that the software is meant to reduce accidents and the percentage of crashes is still rather low, they are obviously not without errors. All in all, I find this "Auto-Pilot" trend to be a rather disturbing and I'm not sure I'm comfortable with the use of auto-pilot on our roads and highways at all. Sure human drivers make mistakes as well, but these computer driven vehicles can only do what they are programmed to do and I think it is impossible to write software that covers every possible scenario they may encounter. Anyway, is this really the wave of the future or is it possibly a misguided trend? Is the development of this kind of "Artificial Intelligence" really important enough to test it's use on our public roads and highways?

In any case, what are the laws that govern the use of this type of software and shouldn't we take a hard look at how we intend to proceed or not to proceed with this type of development before it goes much further? At least in my State, the operator of any motor vehicle must have a valid Operator's license, which requires at least some testing, etc. Do these computers have a license to operate in this manner or is just having a licensed operator on board enough to qualify, even if the licensed operator is paying no attention whatsoever? Frankly, there are enough technology distractions for drivers already and having auto-pilot available and by it's very nature and intent only encourages drivers to pay even less attention to the operation of their vehicle. I for one don't see how this is a good thing for all involved and I look forward to your responses on the subject. Good luck and good shooting to all.

It’s not so much the cars/auto pilot but rather the “idiots” that operate them. They engage it and just sit and assume the car will take care of everything…..the operator takes no responsibility just goes about other things with his head up his ass….. do you think for one moment that a commercial airline pilot just assumes his aircraft will take care of it’s self whilst the A/P is engaged?……Hell no! He continually monitors what is happening within and without the flight environment. I own a three year old Tesla S and it’s the greatest auto I’ve ever owned..

George.