American Authorities Begin Investigation into Autonomous Teslas After Series of Collisions
US automobile safety regulators have commenced an investigation into Tesla cars featuring the autonomous driving system due to traffic-safety violations after several crashes.
Safety Agency Identifies Traffic Law Breaches
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stated that the automaker's self-driving assistance system, which demands drivers to remain attentive and intervene if needed, had “induced car behavior that violated road safety regulations”.
This early investigation by the NHTSA marks the first step before possibly requesting a withdrawal of the vehicles if the authority determines they pose a risk to public safety.
Alarming Incident Reports
The agency stated it had received accounts of nearly 3 million Tesla vehicles running red traffic lights and moving against the incorrect direction during lane changes while operating the system.
NHTSA confirmed it has six reports in which a Tesla car, using 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 collision with other motor vehicles in the junction”.
The agency noted that four accidents had caused one or more injuries.
Further Safety Concerns
The NHTSA stated it has found 18 complaints and one media report alleging that Tesla cars, operating at an intersection with FSD active, did not stay stationary for the entire time of a red traffic signal, failed to stop fully, or did not properly recognize and show the proper light status in the vehicle interface”.
Some complainants also claimed that FSD “failed to give warnings of the system's intended behaviour as the car was coming to a red light”.
Ongoing Official Examination
The full self-driving system, which is more advanced than its basic autopilot feature, has been being examined by NHTSA for twelve months.
In October 2024, the agency began an investigation into 2.4 million Tesla cars using FSD after four reported collisions in conditions of reduced visibility, such as bright sunlight, mist or airborne dust. One such accident, in last year, was deadly.
Company's Official Stance
Tesla's website states that FSD is “intended for operation by a fully attentive driver, who has their hands on the wheel and is prepared to take over at any moment. While these features are designed to improve over time, the currently enabled features do not render the vehicle autonomous.”
Automated car systems continue to face increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies as the systems develop and practical implementation reveals potential challenges with existing deployments.
