Thanks to the OP, for the initial post, and the followups on this thread. While it's not always comfortable dealing with reality, and being objective in describing negative events, it's always for the greater good. Basing replies on subjective or biased information doesn't really promote knowledge and understanding.
Several thoughts and comments popped out to me while reading all of the posts, but I waited until finishing the latest post before responding.
The worst drivers, that I have experienced, for following too close were those on the freeways in Michigan. My cousin, who is a resident there, said I needed to follow closer, or ALL of the drivers would shoe-horn in, in front of me. I would be traveling between 65 and 70 mph, with TACC on 4, in the slow lane, and it was scary. I generally run TACC at 4 or 5, although slow traffic might be set as low as 2, and fast, aggressive traffic merits a 6 or 7. I stay out of the way, if possible.
My indications, with a stopwatch, showed my TACC settings equate to 1/2 second increments from where I am, to the point where the current vehicle being tracked is at.
My MS is in the Fremont SC right now (2nd drive train replacement in ~15 months and 55,000 miles), and the front passenger proximity sensor being reseated or replaced. I drive quite a few miles, and Autosteer and TACC are helpful, but the driver still needs to be the 'Command Driver. 7.1 will be installed before I get my MS back, and I look forward to seeing what it entails.
We hear about situations that appear on the news, or in internet postings, but are not always in context, are biased, or smack of sensationalism. When a few MS have caught fire, it makes national or international news. And, it's apparent that news and media report it as a major problem with electric cars. The recent news concerned the MS that flambe'd while charging in Norway. Even the firefighters included their comments about lithium content of the battery pack. However, what was not talked about was any hazmat fire, or the dangers of flamable plastics, etc. There are numerous vehicle fires in the US every day; they are not as newsworthy unless the vehicle is a Ferrari, Lamborghini, or AMG. A fire involving a common ICE vehicle is generally reported in Traffic Reports as just a vehicle fire, much like a car broken down, impacting traffic.
My MS, with 7.0, autosteered much better in Arizona, than in California. I attribute it to the very good lane markings. I also noted that the swerving to take an exit in California was due to the total lack of markings across the exit lane; Arizona has many smaller segmented lane marking, that Autosteer would recognize, and not try to take the exit. I didn't initially like the new dash diplay with 7.0, but it's very nice to be able to see if the lane markings are being recognized and displayed so as to tell if a problem could be imminent.
I believe that Tesla should increase the visual and audible indicators that denote Autosteer and TACC turning off. Like others, including the OP, it would be interesting if it was disabled prior to the collision.
I am not happy that a few screwy drivers decided to post stupid video's of Autosteer / TACC on Youtube. Clearly, if Darwinism doesn't weed them out, law enforcement will. Unfortunately, EM stepped in, instead.
Technology is improving and appears to be decreasing accidents. Even with safety systems such as antilock brakes, supplemental restraint system, better tires, etc, there are still accidents every day, all over the world. If I am in an accident, no matter where the fault lies, I am happy that I'm in a very safe Tesla. Doesn't preclude the accident, not does it eliminate possible injury or death, but it decreases the odds of injury and death. When I received driver training (more than 40 years ago), we were instructed that there were ways to mitigate injury, but not necessarily to eliminate it. They varies from worst scenario (high speed head on between 2 vehicles), and then moving to different scenarios to improve your odds of survival. These went from 2 cars head on, 1 car info a stationary object or vehicle (yes, whiplash is a consideration), glancing blow, to low speed bumper to bumper. But, in my head, I want to survive, and not negatively affect any others involved. If my car is totaled, that's of little concern to me. Vehicles can be replaced. Life and limb, not so easy.
I am awaiting 7.1, as well as other future upgrades. I remain aware of the limitations of technology. I cringe at the reference to Autopilot. I retired from the FAA, and in aircraft autopilot implementations, as in pretty much any critical system, there is redundancy. When a system (or engine) fails, redundancy usually will prevent a negative outcome. Multiple systems, integrated and designed for the scope of flying, work very well. There's still accidents, but redundant monitor and control leads to pretty reliable air travel. Critical FAA systems on the ground, like Instrument Landing Systems, radio equipment, power sources, are all similarly implemented. Now, Tesla is not really equipped for Autopilot operation. Assistance, yes, but the driver is still in control and legally responsible.
An interesting note was the death of golfer Payne Stewart, when the jet he was flying in suffered depressurization, leading to oxygen deprivation, and yet it continued at the assigned altitude and heading, until running out of fuel. TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System) might have reacted if a situation occurred, but in this case, there was no conscious pilot to handle the situation. The point is, a pilot, even with redundant flight systems, is still the pilot in command, and is ultimately responsible. I think it is important to be planning for the best, but be prepared for the worst. Remember, your MS does not know what you know, and might not arrive at the same conclusions you would.
Drive safe!
Scotty
Any comments about FAA systems are based on published reports.
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There's a few systems, such as Autosteer / TACC , Collision Alert / Blind Spot Indication, AEB, etc, but it's Not AutoPilot!
Scotty
