Self-Driving Mishap Raises Safety Concerns: Tesla’s Summon App Under Scrutiny

Tamara Meyer was in her car in a Montgomery County mall parking lot when a surprising crash occurred. A Tesla Model Y, with no one behind the wheel, scraped her vehicle while navigating itself using the Summon feature. The incident highlights growing concerns about self-driving technology and its readiness for real-world use. The increase in self driving cars will naturally lead to an increased risk of an accident like this. Human-driven or AI-driven, though, the result remains the same—serious neck, back, and spinal cord injuries for victims. A Glen Burnie, MD, neck pain doctor can provide much-needed relief from these injuries.

The Tesla owner admitted it was his first time using the beta feature. Summon, designed to navigate the car to its owner or a parking spot via GPS, operates within 200 feet. However, Meyer described the crash as startling: “There was no driver, no passenger—it just kept going.”

Tesla markets Summon and its updated version, Smart Summon, as advanced driver-assistance tools. Yet, beta features remain in development, which experts like Michael Brooks from the Center for Auto Safety criticize as premature and potentially unsafe. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) labels these as Level 2 systems, alongside lane centering and adaptive cruise control. Since 2023, 932 crashes involving Level 2 technology have been reported, with Tesla accounting for the majority.

To better understand Smart Summon, News4’s I-Team tested it at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. While the Tesla Model 3 avoided a simulated pedestrian and navigated smoothly at times, other trials were less successful. In one instance, the vehicle veered toward another car, and during another, it struck a curb.

Tesla advises users to monitor the car closely and remain within sight while using Summon. Nonetheless, Meyer’s accident underscores concerns among experts and insurers about liability and safety. Bob Passmore of the Property Casualty Insurers Association emphasized, “There’s no replacing an attentive driver.”

As self-driving technology evolves, the challenge remains to ensure safety before widespread deployment.

Chiropractic Care For Whiplash

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries from a car accident. Part of your treatment could involve comprehensive care from a chiropractor familiar with treating these painful neck injuries.

Whiplash is caused by sudden, forceful back-and-forth movements. This condition can lead to neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and limited mobility. Chiropractic care is a proven, non-invasive approach to managing and alleviating the symptoms of whiplash, helping patients recover faster and regain normal function.

Chiropractors use a combination of techniques tailored to the individual’s needs. Spinal manipulation is a cornerstone of treatment, where controlled force is applied to the neck joints to restore proper alignment and improve mobility. This adjustment helps reduce pain and inflammation by relieving pressure on affected nerves.

In addition to spinal adjustments, chiropractors often incorporate soft tissue therapy, such as massage, to relax tight muscles and improve circulation. Stretching and strengthening exercises are also prescribed to enhance flexibility and support the neck during recovery. These therapies work together to address both the underlying causes and symptoms of whiplash.

One of the benefits of chiropractic care is its holistic approach. Chiropractors focus on restoring the body’s natural healing processes without relying on medication or surgery. They may also provide ergonomic and lifestyle advice to prevent further strain on the neck and promote long-term wellness.

If you’ve experienced whiplash, the team at Mid Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic can minimize discomfort and prevent chronic issues. We create a customized treatment plan to help restore your quality of life and overall health. Please call us today for a personalized consultation.