Summary Readers Response Draft #4

Ohnsman (2013) introduces Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, an advanced autopilot driver-assistance enhanced with automation for navigating roads and enabling driverless parking. According to the article, autopilot has proven beneficial in aviation and should similarly be adopted in automobiles for improved safety and efficiency.

Vehicle automation is evolving through six levels, aiming for full autonomy. Synopsys (n.d.) states the progression from Level 0, with no automation, to Level 5, where vehicles operate without human input. Key developments include adaptive cruise control at Level 1 and semi-automated driving at Level 2, leading up to complete autonomy at Level 5. The article also states that the gradual advancement signifies the automotive industry's effort to minimize human intervention, thereby enhancing safety and efficiency. Achieving Level 5 autonomy represents a major shift in transportation, aligned with technological innovation, showcasing the future of vehicular travel.

Tesla’s post-September 2014 vehicles showcase advanced technology focused on safety and improved driving via gradual autopilot updates. According to Redding (2023), These vehicles are inbuilt with autopilot hardware, later enabling features like "Autosteer" and "Adaptive Cruise Control" through software updates, using Bosch radar, twelve sonar sensors, and an eight-camera setup with better computing power. The article also states that this strategy of iterative technology deployment, where hardware is installed first and functionalities are unlocked over time, not only improves vehicle intelligence but also significantly advances autonomy, enhancing road safety and reliability. Tesla's strategy reflects the industry's move towards more autonomous vehicles, highlighting the need for ongoing technology evolution to achieve top safety and performance.

Tesla has introduced autopilot technology advancements, thereby enhancing road safety and driving efficiency, which in turn have transformed the traveling experience. However, the rise of such technologies also poses challenges, including potential job losses in driving professions.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) supports Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology by "rating crashworthiness", "requiring good headlights across all trims", and "evaluating pedestrian crash prevention". Stumpf (2022) describes FSD's potential to reduce accidents and improve driving experiences, with the IIHS playing a key role through Advanced driver assistant system (ADAS) education, safety ratings, and advocating for safety features. By promoting ADAS and responsible autopilot use, these efforts aim to decrease human error and enhance road safety. The partnership between FSD advancements and IIHS's safety advocacy highlights the critical role of autopilot education and responsible use in improving vehicle safety, With this technology it significantly reduces car accidents, and saves lives.

Autopilot systems significantly enhance driving efficiency, across various driving conditions. According to Park et al. (2021), autopilot technologies maintain optimal speeds and ensure smooth transitions, reducing energy consumption compared to manual driving inefficiencies. According to the article, the technological flexibility in adapting to different driving scenarios, from urban areas to highways, further enhances energy efficiency. The ability of autopilot systems to adjust to the driving environment ensures efficient energy use, mitigating the common energy wastage seen in manual driving through over-acceleration and excessive braking. These advancements in autopilot technology underscore its potential to promote sustainable driving practices by optimizing energy usage, regardless of the driving conditions. With this advancement, it helps to enhance driving efficiency.

One challenge with FSD is that Automation technology, particularly in the form of autopilot systems, has a high impact on the job market, causing job losses and necessitating career adjustments for many workers. Fortuna (2022) states (Use a different verb here.) the impact of automation on jobs, particularly for drivers, with an estimated average lifetime income loss of $80,000 per worker, totaling around $180 billion for U.S. workers. This significant financial impact is due to the displacement of workers by autonomous driving technology, forcing many to seek new employment or consider retirement. The emergence of automation technology in the workforce presents critical challenges that require attention to mitigate its negative effects on employment. With the problem surface with FSD technology, people will tend to lose their jobs or be forced to change their current jobs.

Automation technology in vehicles enhances safety and efficiency but poses employment challenges for drivers. Advances in hardware, sensors, and radar systems have significantly reduced road accidents by improving the safety and efficiency of vehicles. These technological improvements contribute to a safer and more efficient driving environment. However, the progression toward autonomous driving technologies threatens the jobs of individuals in driving professions, leading to potential unemployment. This dual impact of vehicle automation necessitates measures that not only celebrate its contributions to road safety and efficiency but also address its negative implications on employment within the driving sector.

References

Brady, D. (2024, February 29). Exactly how safe is your car? IIHS evaluates and we explain. MotorTrend.
https://www.motortrend.com/features/iihs-safety-ratings-explained/

Fortuna, C. (2022, January 10). How will autonomous driving disrupt workers? CleanTechnica.
https://cleantechnica.com/2022/01/10/how-will-autonomous-driving-disrupt-workers/

Ohnsman, A. (2013c, May 7). 'Tesla-ceo-talking-with-google-about-autopilot-system''
https://www.bloomberg.com

Park, J. E., Byun, W., Kim, Y., Ahn, H., & Shin, D. K. (2021). The impact of automated vehicles on traffic flow and road capacity on urban road networks. Journal of Advanced Transportation, 2021.
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jat/2021/8404951/

Redding, C. (2023, November 15). Which Teslas have autopilot? | CarShtuff. CarShtuff. 
https://www.carshtuff.com/post/which-tesla-autopilot

Stumpf, R. (2022, January 22). ‘Autopilot’ systems in cars are finally getting graded on safety. Popular Science. 
https://www.popsci.com/technology/iihs-creates-safety-rankings-driver-assistance-systems/

The 6 levels of vehicle autonomy explained | Synopsys Automotive. (n.d.)
https://www.synopsys.com/automotive/autonomous-driving-levels.html

Tesla. (n.d.) 
https://www.tesla.com/autopilot

Wikipedia contributors. (2024, February 19). Tesla Autopilot. Wikipedia. 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tesla_Autopilot





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