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Tesla is hiring temporary test drivers around the country,
including in Elgin, who will be paid to drive their vehicles and
report on their performance.
The automaker has always highlighted data collection from its
fleet of millions of vehicles as one of its main advantages in
autonomous vehicles. But recently, Tesla seems to be
increasingly relying on internal testing.
"We are looking for a highly motivated self-starter to join our
vehicle data collection team," Tesla writes in the job listing.
"The Vehicle Operator role is responsible for capturing high
quality data that will contribute to the improvement of our
vehicles performance. This role requires a high level of
flexibility, attention to detail, and ability to work in a
fast-paced dynamic environment. Day/night shift positions
available."
ABATE of Illinois said the technology has killed four
motorcyclists already, three of whom they say were run over at
highway speeds by Tesla vehicles using similar driving modes.
Josh Witkowski, state legislative coordinator and lobbyist for
ABATE of Illinois, said the federal government has removed any
reference to autonomous vehicles in recently passed highway
bills, so it is up to the states to regulate the technology.
“Our lives are not a field test for autonomous vehicles like
Tesla, and Illinois must step up to lead in responsible
regulation and development of autonomous technology,” said
Witkowski in a statement.
When former Gov. Bruce Rauner, an avid motorcyclist, signed an
executive order in 2018 creating an autonomous vehicle testing
program, ABATE of Illinois rescinded their endorsement.
Witkowski points to a recent AAA study that found that 9% of
Americans “trust” self-driving vehicles and 68% are “afraid” of
it.
“ABATE of Illinois has been a leader in talking about the
dangers of Tesla vehicles in Illinois and nationwide,” said Bob
Ellinger, State Coordinator of ABATE of Illinois. “We will
continue to fight against technology on the road that has shown
to be fatal to riders.”
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