American Regulators Begin Investigation into Autonomous Teslas After Series of Crashes
US automobile safety regulators have started an probe into Tesla cars featuring the full self-driving technology due to safety regulation breaches following numerous crashes.
Regulatory Body Finds Safety Regulation Breaches
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stated that the automaker's autonomous driving feature, which demands drivers 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 requesting a recall of the vehicles if the agency concludes they pose a risk to road safety.
Alarming Incident Reports
The regulatory body reported it had received reports of 2.88 million Tesla vehicles running red traffic lights and traveling in the incorrect way during lane changes while using the technology.
NHTSA stated it has six documented cases in which a Tesla car, operating with full self-driving engaged, “came to an junction with a red traffic signal, proceeded to drive into the crossroads despite the red light and was subsequently part of a crash with other cars in the intersection”.
The authority reported that four crashes had caused one or more injuries.
Additional Issues Identified
The NHTSA announced it has identified 18 reports and one media report alleging that Tesla vehicles, operating at an junction with FSD active, “failed to remain stationary for the duration of a red traffic signal, did not come to complete stop, or failed to accurately detect and show the correct traffic signal state in the car's display”.
Some complainants also stated that FSD “failed to give warnings of the system's intended behaviour as the vehicle was approaching a red traffic signal”.
Ongoing Official Examination
Tesla's FSD, which is more advanced than its Autopilot system, has been being examined by NHTSA for a year.
In October 2024, the agency began an investigation into 2.4 million Tesla cars equipped with FSD after four documented crashes in conditions of poor visibility, such as bright sunlight, mist or dust clouds. One of these collisions, in 2023, was deadly.
Manufacturer's Official Stance
Tesla's website states that FSD is “designed for operation by a fully attentive driver, who has their hands on the wheel and is ready to assume control at any time. While these features are designed to improve over time, the presently active functions do not render the vehicle autonomous.”
Self-driving vehicle technology continue to face growing examination from safety agencies as the technology advances and real-world testing reveals potential challenges with existing deployments.
