Tesla Autopilot

I drove for the longest time on Autopilot today, about 2 hours on I-10. Although Autopilot is still a little rough around the edges, it is fantastic. I generally avoided the far right and far left lanes. Autopilot sometimes gets a bit ambivalent about on-ramps and off-ramps. The driver must be able to take control, if need be, in these situations. Tesla is aware of the issue and will make changes in the software algorithms with OTA updates in the near future.

Auto lane change (only available when Autopilot is activated) is futuristic. Just turn on the turn signal and the car will change lanes when the coast is clear,,,,,,,and then turn off the signal for you. While the car is preparing itself to change lanes and essentially driving itself, I can survey the mirrors, look over my shoulder, observe the cars in my vicinity on the U.I. display, or turn on the rear view camera and see what is behind me. There was only one time the Autopilot refused to change when a large semi was traveling in that lane about 150 yards behind me going at the same rate of speed as I. Evidently, Autopilot was intimidated by the truck, so I just took over manual control and changed lanes without incident.

My wife is a bit nervous about Autopilot, saying it is too timid in some situations and too aggressive in others........compared to the way she drives! But she agrees that it is at its best on the freeways in the center lanes. It could be a lifesaver in terms of being a better driver than I am, self correcting in a dangerous situation, and just generally more relaxing.

Finally, here is a clip of how Autopilot works in a real world situation:
Tesla owner says Autopilot automatically regained control after sliding out-of-control on ice - video - Electrek

 

When it is ready for BETA testing.