US Authorities Initiate Probe into Self-Driving Teslas After Series of Crashes
US automobile safety regulators have opened an probe into Tesla cars equipped with the full self-driving technology due to safety regulation breaches following numerous accidents.
Regulatory Body Finds Safety Regulation Breaches
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration declared that the automaker's autonomous driving feature, which demands drivers to stay alert and take control when necessary, had “induced car behavior that violated road safety regulations”.
This early investigation by the NHTSA marks the initial phase before potentially requesting a withdrawal of the vehicles if the agency determines they pose a risk to public safety.
Alarming Case Findings
The regulatory body reported it had documented accounts of nearly 3 million Tesla cars driving through red traffic lights and moving in the incorrect way during lane switching while operating the technology.
NHTSA stated it has six reports in which a Tesla car, using FSD activated, “approached an junction with a red traffic signal, proceeded to travel into the intersection against the red signal and was subsequently part of a crash with other motor vehicles in the junction”.
The authority reported that four accidents had resulted in injuries to occupants.
Additional Issues Identified
The NHTSA announced it has found 18 reports and one media report alleging that Tesla cars, driving through an intersection with FSD engaged, “failed to remain stationary for the entire time of a red traffic signal, failed to stop fully, or did not properly recognize and show the correct light status in the car's display”.
Several reporters also stated that FSD “did not provide alerts of the technology's planned actions as the car was approaching a red traffic signal”.
Continuing Official Examination
Tesla's FSD, which is more advanced than its basic autopilot feature, has been being examined by NHTSA for twelve months.
In late 2024, the agency began an inquiry into 2.4 million Tesla cars equipped with FSD after four documented crashes in situations of reduced visibility, such as bright sunlight, mist or airborne dust. One of these collisions, in 2023, was deadly.
Company's Stated Position
The company's official position indicates that FSD is “intended for operation by a fully attentive driver, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is ready to assume control at any time. While these features are designed to become more capable, the presently active functions do not make the vehicle self-driving.”
Self-driving vehicle technology continue to face increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies as the systems develop and practical implementation reveals potential challenges with current implementations.
