Brian Weist and Jonathan Kroger share about Tesla's driving assist
Weist and Kroger of Tesla Motors located in Irvine, California break down the pros and cons of Tesla's auto pilot feature.
Q: Tesla is the pinnacle of technology. Do you think the auto pilot feature crosses the line of too much technology for a car or not? Why?
A: Weist- "I believe that all of Tesla's features on their vehicles are to enhance a driver's experience and help them get from point A to point B as easily and comfortably as possible. I think our autopilot feature is a great benefit that just shows how far technology has come where you can sit and relax- or even sleep when commuting to your job or wherever day to day."
Q: Many Tesla critics have considered auto pilot to be dangerous because they have resulted in multiple crashes. How can drivers prevent from crashing, but still use the auto pilot efficiently?
A: Weist- "Well people take the phrase "auto pilot" too literally. The feature enables you to take you hands off the steering wheel and your feet off the gas and break pedals. You can push your seat back and get comfortable, but any smart driver knows its not a good idea to take your eyes off the road in front of you."
Kroger- "Yeah, and as for the crash that happened where the driver was using autopilot, Tesla was not a fault for that exact reason. It's meant for you to trust the system but still pay attention due to changing road conditions and such."
Q: How does auto pilot work exactly?
A: Kroger- "So our vehicles are programmed to match the speed to traffic conditions and even surrounding vehicles. It can keep within one lane, or switch lanes on its own, merge onto freeways, and self park."
Q: How is the Tesla programmed to make such moves on its own like switching lanes and merging onto freeways?
A: Kroger- We install 360 degree sensors that can sense when there are cars next to it. So when the Tesla switches lanes, it will only switch if it doesn't sense a car within 5 feet next to it. And if it does sense a car, then it will slow down and switch lanes when it's safe to do so. The Teslas are also installed with GPS. Before putting auto pilot on, you type in your destination and the Tesla will drive the way for you by following the map."
Q: Do you drive Tesla's yourselves? How do you like yours?
A: Weist- "I drive a Model S and Jonathan doesn't have one. I love the way it drives and the center console is awesome. It's like an iPad in your car. The best part about it is you don't pay for gas. I've saved so much money since I've bought one- I don't even know how much, but it's a lot. I drive from San Diego to Irvine and back every day for my work commute and my car makes me enjoy it so much more. Tesla is the future. Electric and environmental friendly cars are the future."
Q: Can you consider the front console to be distracting? Why or why not?
A: Weist- "Well again, just because you have a Tesla doesn't mean you have to forget all about being a safe driver. We have these features to help and enhance the way of driving. Not so you have more stuff to look at or distract you with while driving. People need to remember they are responsible when they get behind the wheel of a car. I normally don't touch the console screen while I am driving. I do it before I get on the road so I'm not at risk to crash. It's all about how smart and responsible to driver is. It depends. For me, it's not distracting at all.
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