Tesla has outlined a unique procedure that allows verified first responders to temporarily access and move a Robotaxi during certain emergency situations.
The process is described in Tesla’s Robotaxi First Responder Interaction Plan, which explains how police, firefighters, and other emergency personnel should interact with the company’s autonomous ride-hailing vehicles.
If a Robotaxi is stopped in a dangerous position or blocking traffic, first responders are instructed to first contact Tesla Robotaxi Support and request that a Tesla representative move the vehicle remotely. However, if Tesla is unable to move the vehicle, responders can request vehicle control access.
Identity Verification Happens Through Vehicle Cameras
Tesla says first responders must be in uniform and ready to present their badge or official identification to the camera on the vehicle’s B-pillar, located between the front and rear windows. A Tesla representative can then verify the responder’s identity and grant access to the vehicle controls.
Once access is provided, the first responder can move the vehicle a short distance to clear the roadway or improve scene safety.
The document also includes basic driving instructions for responders who may not be familiar with Tesla vehicles. After receiving access, the responder presses the brake pedal to wake the vehicle, shifts using the touchscreen drive mode strip or overhead selector, and then uses the accelerator to move the vehicle.
While this process allows first responders full access to vehicle controls, Tesla says that these instructions are intended only for moving the Robotaxi a very short distance to improve traffic safety.
Building Procedures for Driverless Vehicles
The procedure is another sign of how different autonomous ride-hailing operations are from traditional vehicles. Since there is no driver behind the wheel, Tesla has had to create a process that allows emergency personnel to safely interact with and, if necessary, take limited control of the vehicle.
Along with providing control of the vehicles, Tesla’s plan also outlines how its Robotaxi control centre can create temporary geofences so its autonomous vehicles can avoid active emergency scenes.
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