Elon Musk Raises Concerns Over Tesla’s Self-Driving Technology

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has made bold claims about the company’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, suggesting that it has become so advanced that some drivers misuse it in unsafe ways. His comments have sparked both praise and criticism as Tesla continues to push the boundaries of autonomous driving.

At a recent investor and analyst conference, Musk revealed that some Tesla owners disable FSD’s steering alerts—intended to ensure driver engagement—because they find them bothersome. He noted that some drivers even resort to using their knees to steer while using their phones, behaviour he considers more dangerous than properly utilizing FSD.

Tesla’s self-driving system has faced scrutiny, with multiple investigations by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) into crashes linked to its Autopilot and FSD features. These probes have led to recalls and software updates aimed at improving safety.

Despite regulatory hurdles, Musk remains optimistic about Tesla’s future in AI and robotics, predicting that these advancements will make Tesla the world’s most valuable company. However, global regulations pose a challenge. While Tesla’s FSD beta is available to select U.S. drivers, European Union restrictions prevent its use, highlighting the varying regulatory landscape for autonomous vehicles.

Tesla plans to begin small-scale unsupervised autonomous fleet operations in Austin, Texas, this June, taking a gradual approach to wider deployment. However, questions remain about whether FSD is truly ready for real-world use. While the system has seen significant improvements, it still requires driver supervision and is not yet fully autonomous.

Musk’s vision for self-driving technology continues to stir debate, balancing innovation with the need for responsible use. As Tesla pushes forward, the company and its users will need to work together to ensure that safety remains a top priority.