Skip to main content

Musk: Tesla’s Autopilot is 50 percent better at avoiding accidents than you are

musk teslas autopilot is 50 percent better at avoiding accidents than you are model s
Tesla Autopilot Image used with permission by copyright holder
Never one to miss an opportunity to ruffle feathers, Tesla boss Elon Musk has stated that his company’s semi-autonomous Autopilot function reduces the chance of an accident by 50 percent, according to Electrek.

“The probability of having an accident is 50 percent lower if you have Autopilot on,” said Musk. “Even with our first version. So we can see basically what’s the average number of kilometers to an accident – accident defined by airbag deployment.  Even with this early version, it’s almost twice as good as a person.”

Good drivers may take offense at Musk’s words, but these opinions are probably shared by all automakers currently developing self-driving technology. Proponents of the features cite better traffic flow, reduction in accidents, and convenience for drivers as core competencies.

Musk also noted that future versions of the Tesla Autopilot system will improve the percentage of crash reduction still further. Autopilot is, after all, still nascent, having only been introduced last year, first on the Model S, then Model X and Model 3. In January, Autopilot was updated with new functionality (and some limitations).

Presently, the technology is merely meant to “assist” drivers to reduce fatigue during highway driving, but Tesla and other automakers have claimed the hardware and software are ready for more responsibility. With regulatory permission, automakers will begin rolling out autonomous driving functions very soon.

“I think it’s going to be important in terms of satisfying regulators and the public to show statistically with a large amount of data – with billions of kilometers of driving – to say that the safety level is definitively better, by a meaningful margin, if it’s autonomous versus non-autonomous,” noted Musk.

It’s no secret that driver distractions are at an all-time high, but we won’t know whether the general populous is ready to turn the wheel over to a computer until the feds give an official nod.

Editors' Recommendations

Miles Branman
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Miles Branman doesn't need sustenance; he needs cars. While the gearhead gene wasn't strong in his own family, Miles…
Tesla launches more affordable Model S and Model X, but there’s a catch
A 2021 Tesla Model S.

Tesla has launched more affordable versions of its Model S sedan and Model X SUV in the U.S. and Canada, though they come with shorter driving ranges. Deliveries of the new vehicles will begin next month.

The new Model S "standard range" vehicles cost $78,490 and offer a range of up to 320 miles (515 kilometers), which is considerably shorter than the pricier regular dual-motor and tri-motor Plaid versions that feature a range of 405 miles and 396 miles, respectively, Reuters reported.

Read more
Elon Musk throws some light on his very busy schedule
Elon Musk.

If you have a hard enough time holding down one job, then it’s little surprise that Elon Musk’s three high-profile roles cause his days to be “long and complicated.”

Musk, who is currently CEO at Tesla, SpaceX, and until recently at Twitter, offered some insight into his busy schedule during an interview at The Wall Street Journal’s CEO Council Summit on Tuesday.

Read more
Tesla’s Cybertruck set for summer delivery event
Tesla's Cybertruck.

Elon Musk said on Wednesday that Tesla’s Cybertruck will finally hit the road sometime this summer.

Speaking during an earnings call with investors, the Tesla chief said a delivery event for the funky-looking electric pickup will take place in the third quarter of this year.

Read more