May 23, 2019—Tesla recently updated its Autopilot software to allow certain cars to automatically change lanes. A recent report claimed that the feature doesn’t work quite as promised and could create potential safety risks for drivers, according to Consumer Reports.
Tesla added the update to its Navigate on Autopilot feature last month as part of a promised upgrade to its package of driver-assist features. To use it, a driver must first turn it on, essentially giving the car permission to make its own lane changes. A driver can cancel an automated lane change that’s in progress at any time by using the turn-signal stalk, braking, or holding the steering wheel in place.
Consumer Reports found in its testing of the feature that it cut off cars without leaving enough space and even passed other cars in ways that violate state laws, according to several law enforcement representatives CR interviewed for its report.
