Tesla vehicles are now sending drivers a message that should concern all of us: when the system detects drowsiness or lane drifting, it suggests turning on Full Self‑Driving (FSD) mode to "help stay focused." At first glance, this might sound like a helpful feature. But if you understand how FSD really works, this is a dangerous and misleading prompt that could have life-altering consequences.
Despite the name, Tesla’s Full Self‑Driving feature does not drive the car for you. It’s a driver-assist system, not a replacement for an alert human behind the wheel. The driver is still fully responsible and expected to take over at any moment. Yet the name “Full Self‑Driving” and the way the feature is marketed suggest something far more capable than the system actually is.
When a car notices the driver is drifting or possibly falling asleep, the right message should be pull over and rest, not “turn on a feature that still requires your full attention.” Suggesting the use of FSD during a moment of driver fatigue sends a mixed message. It implies the car can handle the situation when, in fact, it cannot safely do so without active supervision.
This kind of design choice is not just poor judgment. It’s a safety failure.
When you’ve been in a self-driving car wreck, the details matter. What warnings were given? What instructions did the system provide? Who was really in control?
If a driver follows a system’s prompt to use FSD while they’re tired and that decision leads to a crash, the question becomes: who’s responsible?
Was it the driver? The car’s software? The company that told the driver it was safe to rely on automation? This is where things get complicated legally, but your rights should never be unclear.
At 1-800-TruckWreck, we fight for real people whose lives have been turned upside down by negligent drivers, unsafe trucks, and now, dangerous technology. If an automated system played a role in a wreck, especially one that encouraged behavior that no responsible human would, we’re going to look at that closely.
This is bigger than Tesla. We are entering a new era where cars can make decisions, suggest actions, and even override human judgment. That makes the messages your vehicle gives you critically important. When those messages are vague, misleading, or outright wrong, they can cost lives.
If you’re ever in a situation where your car suggests handing over control:
If you or someone you love has been injured in a crash involving driver-assist technology, whether you were using it or another vehicle was, we want to hear your story. At 1-800-TruckWreck, we’re not afraid to take on major companies and hold them accountable for putting profits or marketing spin ahead of people’s safety.
You come first. Always. That’s how we’ve built our reputation, and that’s how we’ll handle your case, from the first phone call to the final resolution.
If you're unsure who’s really responsible for your wreck, call us today to speak to a trusted car wreck attorney.
This article is sourced from original reporting by WIRED. You can access the full article here.
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