It wasn't an oversight. It was intentional. The Dragon v1 is designed solely for cargo. It has no launch escape system and its software does nothing while it's going up[1]:

> The software in this cargo version of Dragon (Dragon 1), Musk explained, is inert on ascent and was not programmed to release the parachute in the event of a failure. Software in the version of Dragon under development for taking people into space (Dragon 2 or Crew Dragon) is programmed to do just that.

While it sounds like simple thing, remote control of the 'chutes would add significant complexity and cost.

1. http://www.spacepolicyonline.com/news/failed-strut-likely-ca...