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Pressure Mounts on Federal Government to Act on Self-Driving Cars

February 20, 2023

For Immediate Release

Pressure Mounts on Federal Government to Act on Self-Driving Cars

Late last week it was announced that Tesla will recall 362,000 vehicles equipped with its Full Self-Driving (FSD) Beta software. This comes after U.S. regulators said on Thursday the driver assistance system did not adequately adhere to traffic safety laws and could cause crashes. The recall comes on the heels of a string of crashes last summer involving motorcyclists in Florida, Utah, and California.

In the announcement the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said that the software reportedly may not respond sufficiently to posted speed limits and may cause cars to drive through intersections in an “unlawful or unpredictable manner.”

NHTSA noted that the software may cause Tesla owners to travel straight through an intersection in a turn-only lane, fail to come to a complete stop at a stop sign, or drive through a yellow light “without due caution.”

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) has long been concerned about the deployment of these vehicles without proper testing. Additionally, it seems that consumers have a false sense of security when driving these vehicles, are not aware of what the vehicles true capabilities are, and don’t understand they must remain alert and engaged in the operation of the vehicle.  Just two months ago the MRF worked with congressional leaders seeking answers from NHTSA about this new technology and how it interacts with motorcyclists. To read the December 2022 letter click here.

Pressure is also being applied by state motorcyclist rights organizations. ABATE of Wisconsin will be using their “Lobby Day” in Madison to take aim at rules and regulations on self-driving cars in their state. ABATE of Indiana and ABATE of Illinois remain focused on this battle in Indianapolis and Springfield. A growing number of other states are also taking up the battle to protect the safety of motorcylists as it relates to this new technology.

While the MRF and state groups remain vigilant in our fight to protect you as a biker, as always, you should remain alert of all other roadway users.

To read the official NHTSA recall notice click here.

Ride Safe and Ride Free!

 

 

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