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I Blew My Grandpa’s Mind When I Showed Him My Tesla Model 3’s FSD, He Said, “This is Unreal, This Is Crazy Steven”

Imagine an 80-year-old grandpa riding in a Tesla Model 3 for the first time. His grandson is an avid Tesla owner and wants to show his grandfather the car's new technology. When he activates FSD, his mind is blown. 
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"My Grandpa reacts to full self-driving on my demo drive car. It was mind-blowing for him."

Steven Silwanis, an avid Tesla owner, shares a unique perspective on the Tesla Owners of America Facebook page. He recounts his grandfather's awe-inspiring reaction to the Full Self-Driving (FSD) capability of his Tesla Model 3. Steven's post resonates with anyone who can imagine an 80-year-old senior's first encounter with such advanced technology.

Steven is an avid Tesla owner and wanted to show his grandfather the car's new technology. However, he wasn't ready for what happened next. 

Steven's grandfather made the sign of the cross. He is very religious and a devout believer in spiritual things. He's likely asking for protection because he doesn't trust this new car.

Can you blame him?

He says, "This is crazy, what is this? It's just so, the baby." 

As he rides, he mostly stays quiet, taking in what's going on. Steven takes his hands off the wheel, and Grandpa says, "This is unreal; this is crazy, Steven." 

The elderly gentleman looks at the large touchscreen. He's never seen a car with a computer sitting on the dashboard.

"You put the address here?" he says in amazement. 

He looks out the front of the windshield and sees cars coming towards him. "It sees all the cars coming from there?"

Steven's grandfather is taking everything in with his eyes and ears. He looks over and sees that his grandson is still not touching the steering wheel. 

"So, you can just sit here until we get there?" he says, amazed. 

Next, Steven turns up the volume on the car's stereo system. His grandfather had never heard such beautiful music sitting in a car. 

"Yeah, this is the song, "as he can be heard singing along. 

Steven's grandfather experiencing Tesla Model 3 FSD

Steven's grandfather's reaction to Tesla's FSD is not unlike that of any senior citizen. 

However, initial reactions of many people, regardless of age, to Tesla's FSD (Full Self-Driving) can vary greatly, but some common themes emerge when considering how a senior might respond:

Imagine an older adult's eyesight has deteriorated. All their senses have diminished. Here is what Steven's grandfather and others may be thinking after experiencing Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature.

  • Appreciation for assistance: Some elderly individuals, especially those with physical limitations or declining eyesight, may find FSD helpful, as the system's cameras can detect things they might miss. It can also reduce the mental load associated with driving, making journeys less tiring.
  • Initial trepidation and gradual trust: Understandably, someone new to autonomous technology might feel nervous or even scared at first, particularly if they haven't experienced it before. 
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Over time, however, as they become more familiar with FSD's capabilities and limitations, they may develop a greater level of comfort and trust in the system.

  • Potential concerns about safety and control: Like many users, some elderly individuals might be concerned about the system's reliability and their ability to take control if necessary. This is especially relevant, considering FSD is still under development and requires active driver supervision.
  • Reliance and adaptation: Once comfortable, some elderly drivers may find FSD to be a significant benefit to their lives and rely on it for assistance with driving. 

In summary: 

While initial reactions to Tesla's FSD can range from excitement to caution, elderly individuals who adapt to the technology may find it a valuable aid, especially those with physical challenges. The system's ability to assist with driving tasks can be a game-changer. Still, like any user, they need to be aware of the system's limitations and remain vigilant while operating the vehicle. 

They may appreciate its ability to assist with driving tasks, but like any user, they need to be aware of the system's limitations and remain vigilant while operating the vehicle. 

Should an older adult take the wheel of a Tesla and engage Full Self-Driving (FSD)? 

This question requires careful consideration due to several factors:

Driving a Tesla with FSD for an older person requires careful consideration due to several factors:

1. FSD's Current Capabilities and Limitations:

  • FSD is not fully autonomous: It's classified as a Level 2 autonomous system, meaning the driver must remain fully attentive and prepared to take over at any moment.
  • FSD makes mistakes: Users have reported instances where FSD makes errors or behaves unexpectedly, requiring frequent driver intervention. This necessitates a driver who can quickly and effectively take control.
  • Requires driver monitoring: Tesla's FSD system includes features to monitor driver attentiveness. If the driver fails to respond to alerts (e.g., by not applying enough steering wheel force), the system can be suspended. This is particularly relevant for elderly drivers who might have slower reaction times. 

2. Potential Challenges for Elderly Drivers:

  • Relearning the interface: Tesla's interface, which heavily relies on a touchscreen and voice commands, may require relearning for older drivers accustomed to traditional controls.
  • Eyesight: The Tesla Model Y may not be safe for drivers with poor eyesight.
  • Attention and reaction time: Driving with FSD still requires active monitoring and the ability to react quickly to unexpected situations. Age-related declines in cognitive and physical functions, such as slower reaction times, could impact an elderly driver's ability to use FSD safely.
  • Cognitive workload: While ADAS can reduce the driving workload in some areas, interacting with the system itself can introduce cognitive distraction. Older drivers may experience a greater cognitive workload than younger drivers when interacting with these systems.
  • Trust and acceptance of the technology: Some older adults may be hesitant to fully trust or rely on FSD, which can impact their willingness to use it effectively

3. Potential Benefits of ADAS for Elderly Drivers:

  • Enhanced safety: ADAS, including features like blind-spot detection and automatic emergency braking, can significantly reduce accidents and improve safety for older drivers. This can bring a sense of reassurance and safety to elderly drivers, making them feel more secure on the road.
  • Maintaining independence: Self-driving technologies, when fully developed, could help older adults maintain their mobility and autonomy, who may no longer be able to drive safely. 

Conclusion:

Currently, Tesla's FSD driver assistance system requires constant supervision and intervention. While some older adults may adapt well to the technology and benefit from certain ADAS features, it's crucial to assess their capabilities, including vision, cognitive function, and reaction time, before relying on FSD. 

Experts emphasize the importance of robust driver monitoring and a conservative deployment strategy for autonomous features. 

It is strongly recommended that the older adult thoroughly understand the capabilities and limitations of FSD and practice using it in safe and controlled environments before relying on it for everyday driving. 

It's Your Turn

Have you seen an older adult's reaction to Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature? Do you know a senior who owns a Tesla and utilizes its FSD feature? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

Check out my Tesla Model 3 story: No One Believes Me, But It’s True, I Parked My Tesla Model 3 In the Front Of the Restaurant, and When I Came Out, It Had Driven Itself To the Back

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReportAll Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierlFacebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Steven Silwanis

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