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So there isn't even something as simple minded as a pressure sensor in the seat to detect a body... a commonplace component with air bag systems. Or it isn't
by topspin 5y ago
So there isn't even something as simple minded as a pressure sensor in the seat to detect a body... a commonplace component with air bag systems. Or it isn't tied into the interlock.
If so that is inexcusable.
- kwhitefoot 5y agoIt has sensors in the seat and it uses that to tell you that a seat belt should be buckled up. I don't think any other car does more than that but Tesla's do disengage auto steer and cruise control if the seat belt becomes detached and brings the car to a controlled stop with hazard flashers on. I would not want it to immediately disengage auto steer just because a wriggled in my seat though. I do think Tesla could do better but I see no reason why they should be censured for failing to prevent deliberate attempts to circumvent the checks. That would mean that they would have to engage in an arms race against ever more inventive people trying to defeat the system.
- topspin 5y agoThe arms race ends the second someone puts a sandbag in the seat to defeat a pressure sensor; at that point Tesla is off the hook. Without that function Tesla is culpable my mind. Argument #1 from Tesla defenders was 'fake news! you can't do that.' Well you can, in fact, and when a civil jury hears how a simple safety function that is entirely commonplace among other car manufacturers is missing from Tesla my point will be vindicated with a massive award for the plaintiffs, no matter how many downmods I collect for my prediction.
- kwhitefoot 5y agoWhich car uses the seat sensor to disable the car? Are there any that do anything other than enable or disable airbags?