{"id":8344,"date":"2020-12-22T14:23:50","date_gmt":"2020-12-22T19:23:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost:10028\/uncategorized\/self-driving-cars-not-yet-says-nhtsa-winter-driving-tips\/"},"modified":"2020-12-22T14:23:50","modified_gmt":"2020-12-22T19:23:50","slug":"self-driving-cars-not-yet-says-nhtsa-winter-driving-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/napolilaw.lemonadestand.org\/en\/article\/self-driving-cars-not-yet-says-nhtsa-winter-driving-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Self-Driving Cars? Not Yet, Says NHTSA. Winter Driving Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration clearly asserted, despite Tesla\u2019s assertions to the contrary, that \u201cNo vehicle available<\/a> for purchase today is capable of driving itself.\u201d<\/p>\n

Earlier, Tesla stirred controversy by sending so-called full self-driving software to a group of owners selected to test it.<\/p>\n

Cal researcher Steven Shladover said Tesla\u2019s claim was \u201cactively misleading\u201d customers. \u201cIt is a very limited functionality that still requires constant driver supervision,\u201d he offered.<\/p>\n

University of South Carolina law professor Walker Smith went even further. He called Tesla\u2019s use of the Autopilot nickname and its self-driving claims \u201cfraudulent.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nevertheless, Tesla\u2019s website proudly touts its cars\u2019 self-driving capability. A disclaimer, buried in the fine print, states that these features \u201crequire active driver supervision and do not make the vehicle autonomous.\u201d<\/p>\n

For its part, NHTSA has hesitated to regulate the self-driving vehicle industry because it does not want to stifle innovation. However, the agency said it is monitoring the situation and \u201cwill not hesitate to take action to protect the public against unreasonable risks to safety.\u201d<\/p>\n

Driving in Winter<\/h2>\n

So, it appears that we will be driving our own cars this winter, and for several winters to come.<\/p>\n

With the coronavirus pandemic showing no signs of ending, more people might see driving as a good alternative to flying or other forms of transportation.<\/p>\n

There are some ways you can keep your family safe when you hit the road. A brief pre-flight checklist could prevent an accident.<\/p>\n

A Few Weeks Before You Leave<\/h2>\n

The next time your car is due for an oil change, take it to a trusted mechanic, who will give your vehicle the once-over. If the mechanic finds issues, even if they are not emergencies, address them straightaway.<\/p>\n

On a related note, check for safety recalls. Manufacturers send these notices to record owners, which in almost all cases, is the first owner.<\/p>\n

So, if you drive a used car, you might have no idea what recalls apply. And, if there is a problem, the manufacturer is legally required to fix it for free. Click here<\/a> to find out more.<\/p>\n

Finally, stock your vehicle. Almost every year, especially in isolated parts of upstate New York, unprotected motorists are caught in sudden storms.<\/p>\n

So, put an emergency box in your car which includes things like food, water, blankets, jumper cables, and kitty litter (in case you get stuck in the snow). Also remember to take your cell phone, a wire charger, and a full wireless charger.<\/p>\n

In the Driveway<\/h2>\n

The world\u2019s best test pilots always carefully go over their planes before they take off. Even if you are the world\u2019s best driver, you should closely inspect your vehicle. Pay particular attention to:<\/p>\n