Tesla ordered to pay $243m over Autopilot deaths
A Miami jury on Friday held that Elon Musk's company bore significant responsibility for the death of a young woman and serious injuries to her boyfriend because its technology had failed.
They assigned blame even though a reckless driver of a Tesla Model S admitted he was distracted after dropping his mobile phone. He rammed into the couple, Naibel Benavides Leon and Dillon Angulo, who were standing next to their parked Chevrolet. 22-year-old Ms Benavides Leon died following the crash.
Tesla has now been ordered to pay $43m in compensatory damages and $200m in punitive damages to Mr Angulo and the family of Ms Benavides Leon.
The verdict is the latest setback for Mr Musk, who is under mounting pressure as a result of falling sales and share price at Tesla. The billionaire's ill-fated alliance with Donald Trump has done significant damage to the electric car company's brand image and critics say Mr Musk has lost his focus.
Autopilot is a driver-assistance system that Tesla says is intended to reduce a driver's 'overall workload'. However, it has faced repeated investigations in the US over its safety record and has not been cleared for use on British roads.
Dan O'Dowd, a road safety campaigner who has long questioned Tesla's technology, said: 'Today's ruling is a heavy blow to Elon Musk and Tesla.'
The Miami decision ends a four-year long case that was remarkable not just in its outcome but in the fact it even made it to trial. Many similar cases against Tesla have been dismissed or settled by the company to avoid the spotlight of a trial.
The trial itself was contentious. Lawyers acting for the victims claimed Tesla either hid or lost key evidence, including data and video recorded seconds before the accident. The plaintiffs hired a forensic data expert who dug it up key evidence. Presented with the findings, Tesla said it made a mistake and claimed the failure to present the evidence was an honest mistake.
A Tesla spokesman said: 'Today's verdict is wrong and only works to set back automotive safety and jeopardize Tesla's and the entire industry's efforts to develop and implement life-saving technology.
'We plan to appeal given the substantial errors of law and irregularities at trial.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Geeky Gadgets
20 minutes ago
- Geeky Gadgets
iOS 18.7 Release Date and Rumored Features
Apple recently released iOS 18.6, marking another step in its ongoing effort to refine and enhance its mobile operating system and now we have details on iOS 18.7. This update focuses on bug fixes and performance improvements, continuing Apple's tradition of delivering incremental updates that prioritize stability and usability. While iOS 18.6 does not introduce major new features, it lays the groundwork for future updates, including the much-anticipated iOS 18.7. Below, we take a closer look at what iOS 18.6 offers, Apple's update strategy, and what lies ahead for users. Watch this video on YouTube. iOS 18.6 introduces a series of behind-the-scenes adjustments aimed at improving the overall performance and reliability of Apple devices. Although this update does not include headline-grabbing features, it delivers meaningful enhancements that contribute to a smoother user experience. Key improvements include: Faster app loading times , reducing delays when opening or switching between applications. , reducing delays when opening or switching between applications. Improved multitasking stability , minimizing app crashes during heavy usage. , minimizing app crashes during heavy usage. General system stability enhancements, making sure a more reliable and consistent performance across devices. These refinements reflect Apple's focus on making sure that its devices operate seamlessly, even during mid-cycle updates. By addressing minor bugs and optimizing system functionality, iOS 18.6 reinforces Apple's commitment to delivering a polished user experience. What to Expect from iOS 18.7 With iOS 18.6 now available, attention naturally shifts to the next update, iOS 18.7. Based on Apple's established release patterns, iOS 18.7 is expected to continue the trend of incremental improvements. Likely areas of focus include: Additional bug fixes to resolve any remaining issues from earlier versions. to resolve any remaining issues from earlier versions. Performance optimizations, potentially enhancing battery life and improving app compatibility. While iOS 18.7 is unlikely to introduce new features, these updates are essential for fine-tuning the system. By addressing user feedback and refining the software, Apple ensures that each update contributes to a more stable and efficient operating system. Will There Be an iOS 18.8? Speculation is growing around the possibility of an iOS 18.8 release before Apple unveils iOS 26, which is expected in September. If iOS 18.8 does materialize, it would likely serve as a final refinement for the iOS 18 series, focusing on maximum stability and performance optimization. This would align with Apple's strategy of delivering a seamless transition between software generations, making sure that users experience minimal disruption when upgrading to the next major version. Understanding Apple's Update Strategy Apple's approach to software updates reflects a deliberate balance between innovation and reliability. The company's versioning system is designed to ensure that each update serves a specific purpose: Major updates , such as iOS 18, introduce new features, design changes, and significant functionality enhancements. , such as iOS 18, introduce new features, design changes, and significant functionality enhancements. Minor updates, like iOS 18.6 and 18.7, focus on bug fixes, performance improvements, and system stability. For instance, earlier updates in the iOS 18 series demonstrated this strategy in action. iOS 18.3.1 targeted specific bugs, while iOS 18.4 introduced broader performance enhancements. This structured approach ensures that users benefit from both innovation and reliability, with each update building on the strengths of its predecessor. Looking Ahead: iOS 26 While incremental updates like iOS 18.7 and 18.8 are crucial for maintaining system stability, the tech community is already looking ahead to iOS 26, which is slated for release in September. This major update is expected to deliver significant new features and design changes, marking a milestone in Apple's software evolution. Until then, Apple remains focused on perfecting the current operating system through a series of carefully planned updates. By continuing to refine and optimize its software, Apple ensures that users enjoy a reliable and seamless experience, even as the company prepares for the next major leap forward. Gain further expertise in iOS 18.6 by checking out these recommendations. Source & Image Credit: Simple Alpaca Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPhone, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Daily Mail
21 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Safety fears at Florida nuclear plant as bombshell report says 'staff too scared to speak out about dangers'
Alarming new revelations from a federal inspection report have exposed a deep-rooted culture of fear at one of Florida 's nuclear power plants where employees say they are too terrified to report safety hazards, even anonymously. The disturbing findings, obtained by The Tampa Bay Times, center on the St. Lucie nuclear plant, operated by Florida Power & Light, the state's largest utility firm. According to federal investigators, staff at the plant described a workplace where retaliation for raising concerns was so pervasive that workers avoided official complaint channels altogether, fearing they'd be traced and punished. The report, quietly completed last fall, detailed a disturbing portrait of suppression, intimidation, and operational neglect at the aging facility, located on a barrier island just north of West Palm Beach. It means there has been silence among workers inside one of Florida's most critical energy facilities, even as mechanical failures and shutdowns mount. 'Senior management's reactions to individuals raising nuclear safety concerns could be perceived as retaliation,' the inspection report states. The report follows a record-breaking surge in anonymous complaints from the plant, which outpaced all other nuclear facilities in the US last year, raising fresh concerns about operational integrity of the complex on Florida's east coast. The timing couldn't be more controversial as Florida Power & Light is currently seeking approval for what watchdogs call the largest electric rate hike in US history - a nearly $10 billion increase over four years. After interviewing more than 75 workers, federal inspectors concluded that a pervasive fear of retaliation has silenced employees and put public safety in jeopardy. 'Senior management's reactions to individuals raising nuclear safety concerns could be perceived as retaliation,' the report states. At the heart of the crisis is a breakdown in trust between workers and leadership. According to the inspection, employees were so spooked by prior incidents of retaliation that they avoided even anonymous reporting systems, fearing their IP addresses might be traced. Instead, many turned to union representatives - or just stayed silent. Whistleblower complaints have exploded. In 2024, the St. Lucie plant logged 20 anonymous allegations, the most of any of the nation's 54 nuclear facilities, and five times the number it received just a year prior. 'Without [a healthy safety culture], it's a toxic environment that contributes to potential for a more serious event to occur,' warned Edwin Lyman, director of nuclear power safety at the Union of Concerned Scientists. Federal regulators confirmed they launched the inspection specifically because of the spike in these complaints. Despite the alarming findings, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued no formal violations, allowing FPL to claim the issue is under control. A spokesperson for the utility, Ellen Meyers, insisted that the nuclear fleet remains 'safe, reliable and emissions-free'. She added that the plants, including Turkey Point near Miami, hold the NRC's top 'green' rating - but experts have called that label misleading. 'There has been grade inflation,' Lyman said. 'Green findings are less meaningful when inspectors are discouraged from escalating serious concerns.' Lyman, a physicist and director of nuclear power safety at the Union of Concerned Scientists, said he found the issues uncovered at the plant to be troubling. 'The reason why these inspections were initiated in the first place is the recognition of how important good safety culture is,' he said in an interview with the Tampa Bay Times. 'Without that, it's a toxic environment that contributes to potential for a more serious event to occur.' The problems at St. Lucie are neither isolated nor new. Records show years of safety violations, internal scandals, and worsening shutdowns at both of Florida's active nuclear plants, St. Lucie and Turkey Point. In 2019, federal regulators fined FPL $150,000 after employees at Turkey Point falsified safety records and failed to notify supervisors of serious errors during maintenance. In 2017, a contract worker at St. Lucie was terminated after raising radiation concerns - another incident that triggered a federal penalty. An internal review by Florida regulators later revealed that FPL's own executives admitted their nuclear operations were in crisis. One plant manager even concluded St. Lucie had 'the worst operational focus in the industry.' Since then, the company cut a quarter of its nuclear workforce, according to testimony from utility consultant Richard Polich, who warned that fewer staff, coupled with a fear-driven culture, heightens the risk of costly or dangerous mistakes. 'Mistakes can occur, tasks may not be performed in accordance with company procedures, and projects are rushed... leading to avoidable outages and imprudent fuel costs,' Polich told regulators. FPL dismissed Polich's warnings as 'conjecture', but state investigators are once again raising red flags. After a brief period of improvement, plant shutdowns at St. Lucie and Turkey Point spiked again last year. A new review from the state Public Service Commission suggested that the same dysfunction regulators identified in past audits has returned. 'Issues related to Florida Power & Light's philosophy with regard to receiving concerns … may have come up again,' wrote Commission attorney Suzanne Brownless in a 2024 filing. The situation has attracted scrutiny from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers in Tallahassee. 'A 'chilled work environment' where employees fear speaking up about safety concerns is not just a red flag - it's a siren,' said Rep. Anna Eskamani (D-Orlando). 'This points to a systemic failure in oversight and serious public safety concerns.' Sen. Don Gaetz (R-Niceville), a long-time FPL critic, added that the state utility commission 'should consider these issues' in any rate hike decision. According to testimony from Polich, each nuclear shutdown can cost ratepayers over $1 million in replacement power. In a 2023 settlement, FPL agreed to refund $5 million to customers after regulators determined multiple shutdowns from 2020–2022 were avoidable. But with a new $10 billion rate hike request pending, watchdogs say the company's nuclear operations deserve a full airing. 'This is not about isolated incidents,' Eskamani said. 'This is about public accountability.' So far, FPL has insisted that it is not seeking reimbursement for any nuclear outages as part of its current rate case, but internal documents are now subject to subpoena by the state's public advocate, meaning more damaging revelations could emerge in the months ahead.
Telegraph
21 minutes ago
- Telegraph
The AI revolution is here to make you stupid
Despite the downsides, AI offers a seductive promise to companies driven by bottom lines: cost-cutting. Yet what may flatter the balance sheet in the short-term could cost them in future. 'Managers tend to systematically underestimate the expertise needed to do the work of their employees, meaning that they may classify more work as replaceable or deskilled than is appropriate,' one metastudy led by Professor Kevin Crowston of Syracuse University cautioned. In seven cases studied by Crowston where AI had been used, six experienced some deskilling, even alongside upskilling and efficiency gains. An examination of call centre staff in the study Generative AI At Work led by Erik Brynjolfsson showed greater gains amongst the lower skilled, penalising the higher skilled. If managers are metric-obsessed, they'll be tempted to dispense with the skilled staff quicker. Once again, the firm deploying the AI becomes less capable and more stupid. In a widely circulated essay that went viral this spring, called The Co-Pilot Delusion, a highly skilled software developer described his experience with an AI assistant he knew was deeply flawed. 'I got lazy. Of course I did,' he confessed. 'When the system forces you to code with a hallucinating clown, eventually you stop resisting. You let him type. You let him be 'productive'. You check out. You surrender your brain to the noise and just float.' Warp speed warning So what to do? In Forster's story, when The Machine glitches people are so in awe of it that they treat the issues not as a crisis but as divine wisdom. They've turned it into a deity. Are we doing the same with generative AI? The novelist Ewan Morrison, whose new thriller For Emma revolves around a fatal AI experiment, thinks so. 'I think we in our naivety have bought into all the hype,' he says. 'But integrating AI into healthcare, the military and education means introducing something with an error rate of between 33pc and 90pc. The Government is introducing factual errors into everything it touches.' Such warnings are falling on deaf ears. Tech companies are in a hurry and have found a willing servant eager to do their bidding in the Labour Government. AI will cut waiting times, identify bottlenecks and even make services 'feel more human', the Government claims in its AI Action Plan. We have even been told that the technology can stop prison riots before they even start, such is its omniscient power. MIT's Kosmyna is sceptical. 'Generative AIs do not show objectively any gain in productivity, any gain in scientific discovery or any gain in employee performance – but we are told we have to implement them in such an aggressive manner,' she says. 'What are we afraid of missing out on, exactly?' While Britain is embracing AI at warp speed, there is a healthier scepticism in Asia than in the technocrat-driven West. 'Tony Blair has been convinced there's a ghost in the machine, but the Chinese, and in Singapore, they don't believe that for one minute,' says Georg Zoeller, a former Facebook engineer based in Singapore who advises governments and is also VP of technology at a healthcare start-up. He adds: 'Eighty per cent of decision makers and people crafting the laws in China are Stem [science, technology, engineering and mathematics] graduates who understand the technology, and the industry is being regulated by the best people, and they are integrated into both policy and technology.' James Woudhuysen, visiting professor of forecasting at South Bank University, agrees with Zoeller that the quality of our policy elites makes them more reluctant to assess societal and human harm. 'There are many more engineers in the upper echelons of Chinese society who understand technology, and understand what AI really is, than there are in Britain,' he says. 'The tendency to personalise or anthropomorphise AI, to see it as a constant and wise friend – that's a Blair legacy. They don't understand technology at all.' A decade ago, the Finnish accountants realised there was something precious in the corporate ether – the company's value was in its intangible knowledge capital. It could not be replicated by software, even if the daily tasks could be. Perhaps if we refuse to believe AI is magic, we'll be wiser about its obvious and not so obvious flaws. Unfortunately, policymakers in the West have been overtaken by a desire to make machines seem magical. If we're getting dumber, then we can hardly blame the AI for that. We've done it to ourselves.
