They checked whether Tesla does not work without a driver in the seat. The test result shocks and completely contradicts it [WIDEO]

Tesla claims to have technology that detects whether a driver is behind the wheel. This test showed that it has many flaws and needs to be refined. Currently, it is neither safe nor as advanced as in some Subaru or Ford models. The manufacturer should consider whether cars should not be retrofitted with cameras monitoring the driver.

Tesla with Autopilot system needs extra protection

Last year there was a deadly Tesla crash in Texas, in which two passengers lost their lives. As it turned out, one of them tried to operate the vehicle on Autopilot and released the driver's seat.

Consumer Reports Group decided to run a test. He does not dispute that Tesla and its Autopilot function do not work without the driver sitting in the seat, but he does discover that the system can be "fooled".

Tesla says its vehicles have sensors that allow Autopilot to operate only when the seat behind the wheel is occupied. As testers from Consumer Reports have discovered, Tesla's systems are not reliable. In addition, they are not as advanced as other manufacturers, which use sensors in the seats and small cameras that monitor the driver's eye movement. Such features have recently been introduced in some Subaru, Ford and General Motors cars.

To detect whether a person is sitting behind the wheel, Tesla uses sensors located in the steering wheel and seat belt buckle. In a test conducted on a private track, Consumer Reports assessed the effectiveness of Tesla's driver attention system. As it turned out, he was able to trick the technology into thinking the driver was in his seat.

Tesla Model Y was on Autopilot without a human at the wheel

Consumer Reports tested the newer Tesla Model Y, not the older Tesla Model S involved in the tragic accident, but both cars were equipped with Autopilot.

Consumer Reports engineers easily fooled a Tesla Model Y that was driving on Autopilot… with no one in the driver's seat. Such a scenario would pose an extreme threat if repeated on the road.

The test used a chain on the steering wheel to simulate hand movement and a fastened seat belt. This allowed the driver to move to the passenger seat. You can see the video of this ride here.

Elon Musk spoke out about a tragic accident in late 2019

On the last weekend of 2019, a Tesla Model S crashed into a tree just outside Houston, Texas. Two men died in the accident. According to police, one of them occupied the front passenger seat and the other the rear one.

The fatal accident has once again raised concerns among safety authorities and carmakers. Some customers believe too much in technology. In fact, they should always control their vehicle, even if it has numerous driver assistance systems.

Under no circumstances should anyone attempt this test

The US IIHS recommends that all vehicles equipped with automatic steering and radar cruise control also include systems that check the presence of drivers and whether they are looking at the road." Dashboard cameras monitor the driver's eye movements.

As for the test that Consumer Reports expert Jake Fisher conducted, he strongly emphasizes that under no circumstances should anyone try it.

Driver monitoring systems will be part of the requirements of the European automotive safety program Euro NCAP from 2023.