American Authorities Initiate Probe into Autonomous Tesla Vehicles Following String of Crashes
US automobile safety regulators have started an investigation into Tesla cars equipped with the autonomous driving system due to traffic-safety violations after several crashes.
Regulatory Body Identifies Safety Regulation Violations
The NHTSA declared that the electric carmaker's self-driving assistance system, which demands motorists to stay alert and take control when necessary, had “induced vehicle behaviour that breached road safety regulations”.
This early investigation by the NHTSA marks the initial phase before possibly seeking a withdrawal of the cars if the authority determines they present a danger to road safety.
Concerning Incident Reports
The regulatory body stated it had documented accounts of nearly 3 million Tesla vehicles running red traffic lights and traveling against the incorrect way during lane changes while using the system.
NHTSA stated it has six documented cases in which a Tesla car, using full self-driving engaged, “approached an junction with a red traffic signal, proceeded to travel into the intersection against the red light and was later part of a collision with other cars in the junction”.
The authority reported that four accidents had resulted in injuries to occupants.
Additional Issues Identified
The NHTSA stated it has identified 18 complaints and one media report alleging that Tesla vehicles, operating at an junction with FSD engaged, “failed to remain stopped for the entire time of a red light, failed to stop fully, or failed to accurately detect and display the proper light status in the vehicle interface”.
Several reporters also claimed that FSD “did not provide alerts of the system's planned actions as the vehicle was coming to a red light”.
Continuing Regulatory Scrutiny
The full self-driving system, which is more advanced than its Autopilot system, has been being examined by NHTSA for twelve months.
In October 2024, the agency started an inquiry into 2.4 million Tesla cars using FSD after four reported collisions in situations of reduced visibility, such as bright sunlight, mist or airborne dust. One of these collisions, in last year, was fatal.
Company's Stated Position
The company's official position indicates that FSD is “designed for use with a completely alert motorist, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is prepared to take over at any time. While these capabilities are engineered to become more capable, the presently active features do not render the car autonomous.”
Self-driving car systems continue to face growing examination from regulatory bodies as the systems develop and practical implementation reveals potential challenges with existing deployments.
