Tesla critics hold safety demonstration
Tesla is preparing to launch its robotaxi fleet in Austin, prompting significant safety concerns from critics. Organizations such as the Dawn Project and Tesla Takedown plan to demonstrate how a self-driving Tesla allegedly fails to stop for a child-sized dummy near a school bus. They argue that Tesla is attempting to block access to important public records related to safety and crash statistics. Musk acknowledged the potential for a delayed launch due to these safety anxieties, stating, "We are being super paranoid about safety. " The cars are already in operation in Austin, with Musk sharing a video of a driverless Tesla on South Congress Avenue.
The public has previously seen demonstrations of Tesla vehicles hitting child-sized dummies and strollers, raising questions about their safety. The situation underscores the ongoing debate surrounding the reliability of Tesla's Full Self-Driving technology. With the launch date approaching, the scrutiny and public demonstration could influence future policy decisions.