Tesla's New Software Update Makes Model 3 & Y Capable of Detecting Emergency Vehicle Lights When Using Autosteer

Photo: Not a Tesla App

Tesla has released a new software update for Model 3 and Model Y that includes new features. Cars can now detect lights from an emergency vehicle when using Autosteer at night on a high speed road and react accordingly, as Tesla CEO Elon Musk promised in July.

Tesla Vision is a unique and truly incredible technology. Based on images from cameras around the vehicle, the system recreates the vehicle's environment and transfers it to the display. The ability to convey the colors of objects is an important skill. In mid-July, Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced that Tesla Vision would soon be able to capture turn signals, hazards, ambulance/police lights, and hand gestures, and the company is gradually delivering this.

@Analytic_ETH/Twitter has posted a note for the new software release for Model 3 and Model Y, 2021.24.12. As described, now these car models detect lights from an emergency vehicle when using Autosteer. The new feature will work at night on high speed roads. If the vehicle detects lights from an emergency vehicle, the driving speed is automatically reduced and the touchscreen displays a message informing the driver of the slowdown. In addition, a chime will sound and a reminder to keep hands on the steering wheel will appear. When the light detections pass by or cease to appear, Autopilot resumes cruising vehicle speed. Besides this, the driver can press the acceleration pedal and the car also resumes cruising speed.

"If Model3/ModelY detects lights from an emergency vehicle when using Autosteer at night on a high speed road, the driving speed is automatically reduced and the touchscreen displays a message informing you of the slowdown. You will also hear a chime and see a reminder to keep your hands on the steering wheel. When the light detections pass by or cease to appear, Autopilot resumes your cruising speed. Alternatively, you may tap the accelerator to resume your cruising speed. Never depend on Autopilot features to determine the presence of emergency vehicles. Model3/ModelY may not detect lights from emergency vehicles in all situations. Keep your eyes on your driving path and always be prepared to take immediate action."

New in #Tesla 2021.24.12 Owners Manual for #Model3 #ModelY

"If Model3/ModelY detects lights from an emergency vehicle when using Autosteer at night on a high speed road, the driving speed is automatically reduced and the touchscreen displays a message informing you... (1/3)

— Analytic.eth (@Analytic_ETH) September 22, 2021

For the first time, Tesla vehicles became capable of identifying turn signals in FSD Beta V9. Now, the new update suggests a broader list of different signals that it can identify. Ultimately, the company is committed to ensuring that Tesla Vision can also capture turn signals, hazards, ambulance/police lights, and hand gestures. And after these updates are rolled out, Tesla will further improve upon them.

This desire of Tesla is a consequence of the manufacturer trying to cover all possible traffic situations on the road, which will ultimately allow it to achieve Level 5 of autonomy. This will be achieved by using only cameras in vehicles since radar data is less reliable. Radar also cannot detect colors. Therefore, cars that only have radar, such as the LiDAR system, unlike Tesla Vision, are incapable of fully autonomous driving in all driving situations.

H/T @Ahead_of_Curve/Twitter

© 2021, Eva Fox | Tesmanian. All rights reserved.

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Article edited by @SmokeyShorts, you can follow him on Twitter

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