Tesla owners find vehicle’s autopilot mode worrisome too

Q I always take my Tesla out of autopilot mode when traffic conditions allow for motorcycle lane splitting.

I may keep the car engaged in traffic-aware cruise control where it will keep pace with the car in front of me, but I’m doing the steering. I move over to the left side of the lane and in some cases, will cross the double yellow lines with my left tires when I see motorcycles approaching from the rear. Almost always, I get the two-finger peace sign from the rider as acknowledgment.

I’ve done this enough times to get two punctures in my left rear tire within seven months. In fact, when I owned a 3-series BMW I would do the same thing, so it’s the driver, not the brand of car that should earn the blame.

— Raymond Kawakami,

San Jose

AAnd

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Q

As a Tesla owner driving in the carpool lane I frequently use autopilot, which centers the car exactly in the middle of the lane, leaving less room for motorcycles. Many carpool lane drivers know that motorcycles split the lane next to them and tend to hug (or straddle) the yellow line, leaving room for lane splitters. I try to watch for lane splitters, disengage autopilot, and move over but sometimes a quiet one will sneak up on me, leaving an angry cyclist.

— Jim Schultz, San Jose

AAnd…

Q

I’ve been reading the motorcycle comments in your letters. In the first mention of Tesla by a motorcyclist I could not figure out why he specifically mentioned Tesla drivers as a danger when they lane split. I drive a Tesla and always move over when I see a motorcycle coming from behind.

Your more recent article cleared up my confusion — lane centering. They are gutsier drivers than I am! I gave up lane-centering because I couldn’t take the closeness when driving by semi-trucks. I didn’t realize that I ever so slightly move away when driving by these large trucks.

I’ll never embrace autonomous driving, I fear! — Lois LaShell,

Walnut Creek

A And that’s today’s (almost) final word.

Q Thanks for your column. It’s a great place to vent, rather than do it on the road.

As a Harley-Davidson owner, I am intimidated by lane splitting, but find it almost necessary due to the constant clutching requirements of changing gears. My left hand wears out! I split at slow speeds only, but have often wondered why there isn’t an allowance for motorcyclists to ride on the left shoulder pavement where available, and when necessary. Any comment?

— Steve Hanleigh, self-described “Old Guy” A Allowing drivers to use the shoulder as a passing lane is fraught with danger. Stay in your lane and allow enough space to move and brake safely when needed, whatever vehicle you are driving. And drivers, realize that motorcyclists can legally lane split.

Look for Gary Richards at Facebook.com/ mr.roadshow or contact him at mrroadshow@ bayareanewsgroup.com.