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Module 1.6, Case Study #1:

Sleeping Drivers in Self-Driving Cars

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Living and Working with Artificial Intelligence

Developed for the AI4GA (Artificial Intelligence for Georgia) project funded by National Science Foundation awards DRL-2049029 and DRL-2048502.

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/

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Learning Objectives

Students should be able to:

  • Describe social and ethical issues of autonomous vehicles
  • Describe the benefits and harmful impacts of autonomous vehicles
  • Consider multiple perspectives when evaluating AI technology

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Video: Tesla Driver Caught On Camera Apparently Asleep At The Wheel | NBC Nightly News

As you watch the video, �think about

  • What do you find interesting or surprising?
  • What do the producers of the video want you to learn?

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHUZxeSUFUk (1:35)

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Video: Tesla Driver Caught On Camera Apparently Asleep At The Wheel | NBC Nightly News

Let’s watch it again

  • Is the human using the self-driving car as it was intended?
  • Is this responsible behavior?
  • Is this behavior legal?
  • Is it safe behavior?
  • Are the sensors operating properly?

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHUZxeSUFUk (1:35)

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Video: Video shows Tesla driver seemingly asleep at the wheel on a BC bridge during rush hour

Let’s watch a new video and keep these questions in mind

  • Is the human using the self-driving car as it was intended?
  • Is this responsible behavior?
  • Is this behavior legal?
  • Is it safe behavior?
  • Are the sensors operating properly?

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQyliOXgNnc (2:13)

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What level of autonomy is Tesla’s Autopilot mode?

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What level of autonomy is Tesla’s Autopilot mode?

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Instructions: Circle your answer below and explain why

Student ID# ____________________

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What level of autonomy is Tesla’s Autopilot mode?

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Tesla’s Operating Requirement for Drivers

Vehicles

Capability

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What level of autonomy do you think sleeping drivers associate with Tesla’s Autopilot mode?

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Instructions: Circle your answer below and explain why

Student ID# ____________________

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What level of autonomy do you think sleeping drivers associate with Tesla’s Autopilot mode?

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Tesla’s Operating Requirement for Drivers

Vehicles

Capability

Sleeping Owner’s possible perception of vehicle’s capability & safety

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Is there a moral hazard? For who?

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Tesla’s Operating Requirement for Drivers

Vehicle’s

Capability

Sleeping Owner’s possible perception of vehicle’s capability & safety

A “moral hazard” is a lack of incentive to guard against risks where one is protected from its consequences, e.g., by insurance.

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Ethical Reflection: Is it enough to warn people not to do something even though you know they won’t listen?

Yes, explain why

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No, explain why

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Is Tesla’s Autopilot mode an attractive nuisance?

Basic Elements of Attractive Nuisance

  • A potentially dangerous condition exists on the property.
  • The landowner created or maintained the potential hazard.
  • The landowner should have known the condition would attract children.
  • The landowner should have known the condition could harm children.

Examples:

  • Swimming pools
  • Trampolines
  • Tree houses
  • Fountains
  • Machinery (lawnmowers, gasoline pumps, etc.)
  • Wells
  • Tunnels
  • Dangerous animals

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Perspective: Given this definition of “attractive nuisance”, do you consider Tesla’s Autopilot mode a type of attractive nuisance? Why?

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Policy Reflection: Should Autopilot Mode be banned?

Yes, explain why

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No, explain why

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Directions: Write down several reasons for banning or not banning auto pilot mode

Perspective: Which view do you support and why?

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Reflection: Do you think the penalty drivers received for sleeping while their car is driving in autopilot mode is appropriate given the possible safety risks?

Yes, explain why

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No, explain why

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Directions: What are the penalties? Are they appropriate?

Perspective: Which view do you support and why?

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Knowing what you know, would you put your grandparents in a self-driving car?

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Meet engineers who created a self-driving car

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Deeper Dive: What are the driver assistance features of Tesla’s Cars?

Auto-Pilot Mode Features

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Fully Autonomous Mode Features

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Read: https://www.tesla.com/support/autopilot

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Optional: Resources

Additional Videos

  1. Driver asleep at the wheel of his Tesla on busy freeway in Los Angeles
  2. Tesla Driver Pulled Over After Appearing To Be Asleep While Driving
  3. Tesla Owner Caught Sleeping Behind The Wheel On Autopilot (20 minutes, bodycam)