American Authorities Launch Inquiry into Self-Driving Tesla Vehicles After String of Crashes
US automobile safety regulators have started an examination into Tesla vehicles equipped with the autonomous driving system due to safety regulation breaches after multiple crashes.
Safety Agency Identifies Safety Regulation Violations
The federal safety agency declared that the electric carmaker's self-driving assistance system, which requires motorists to stay alert and take control when necessary, had caused car behavior that breached road safety regulations”.
This early investigation by the NHTSA represents the first step before possibly seeking a recall of the cars if the agency concludes they pose a risk to public safety.
Concerning Case Findings
The regulatory body stated it had received reports of nearly 3 million Tesla cars driving through red traffic lights and traveling in the incorrect way during lane switching while operating the technology.
NHTSA confirmed it has six documented cases in which a Tesla car, operating with FSD engaged, “approached an junction with a red light, proceeded to drive into the intersection despite the red signal and was later involved in a collision with other cars in the intersection”.
The agency noted that four crashes had caused injuries to occupants.
Additional Safety Concerns
The NHTSA announced it has found 18 reports and one news account alleging that Tesla cars, driving through an intersection with FSD engaged, did not stay stationary for the duration of a red light, failed to stop fully, or failed to accurately detect and show the correct traffic signal state in the car's display”.
Some complainants also claimed that FSD “did not provide warnings of the system's planned actions as the vehicle was approaching a red light”.
Continuing Official Examination
Tesla's FSD, which is more sophisticated than its Autopilot system, has been being examined by NHTSA for a year.
In October 2024, the authority started an inquiry into 2.4 million Tesla cars using FSD after four documented crashes in situations of poor visibility, such as sun glare, fog or airborne dust. One such accident, in 2023, was deadly.
Company's Stated Position
Tesla's website states that FSD is “intended for operation by a fully attentive motorist, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is prepared to take over at any moment. While these capabilities are designed to become more capable, the presently active features do not render the car autonomous.”
Automated car systems continue to face increased scrutiny from safety agencies as the systems develop and real-world testing reveals potential challenges with current implementations.