Just from my limited experience driving my Tesla I feel like the autopilot features are most useful in the middle lane of a three lane freeway, so that's where I tend to drive. I also have actually slowed down and now drive at about 70 or 75 when using autopilot (rather than the 80 I used to drive) because I honestly just don't trust autopilot enough and feel like the extra reaction time necessary to correct an autopilot mistake warrants a slower driving speed.
I looked through the model S manual that I received when I got my car and there's no warning about driving next to a concrete median. You are all acting like this is a big no-no that all Tesla owners should know about, but it's not. Here's what I found in the manual that's relevant, and I bolded the portions I think are most appropriate for this accident:
Autosteer is intended for use only on highways and limited-access roads with a fully attentive driver. When using Autosteer, hold the steering wheel and be mindful of road conditions and surrounding traffic. Do not use Autosteer on city streets, in construction zones, or in areas where bicyclists or pedestrians may be present. Never depend on Autosteer to determine an appropriate driving path. Always be prepared to take immediate action. Failure to follow these instructions could cause damage, serious injury or death.A standard concrete median would not be what I would call "a construction zone" or guard rail acting as an obstacle. I don't think all this advice about avoiding using autosteer next to concrete medians is helpful. Nor do I agree with this 'counter torque' stuff, which could easily cause over-correction and lead to an accident.
When Autosteer is able to detect lane markings, it also displays the driving lane in blue.
If Autosteer is unable to detect lane markings, the driving lane is determined based on the vehicle you are following. In most cases, Autosteer attempts to center Model S in the driving lane. However, if the sensors detect the presence of an obstacle (such as a vehicle or guard rail), Autosteer may steer Model S in a driving path that is offset from the center of the lane.
Warning: Autosteer is not designed to, and will not, steer Model S around objects partially or completely in the driving lane. Always watch the road in front of you and stay prepared to take appropriate action. It is the driver's responsibility to be in control of Model S at all times.
I think the lesson here is to look at your dash for the blue lines. When you don't see them, be extra cautious and/or disengage autosteer.
The lack of blue lines is what could cause the car to veer off. If the car in front of it swerved or drifted onto the shoulder, and there weren't clear lane markings, the Tesla might swerve or drift too and perhaps rain or overreaction by driver did the rest. I'm curious to hear what Tesla discovers about the crash. Maybe it was something else entirely.
I think you missed a phrase in your bolding, so I did it for you.