US Regulators Launch Inquiry into Self-Driving Teslas After Series of Accidents
US automobile safety regulators have started an examination into Tesla cars equipped with the full self-driving technology due to traffic-safety violations after multiple accidents.
Regulatory Body Finds Safety Regulation Breaches
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stated that the automaker's self-driving assistance system, which requires motorists to stay alert and intervene if needed, had caused car behavior that breached traffic safety laws”.
This initial assessment by the NHTSA represents the initial phase before potentially requesting a recall of the vehicles if the agency concludes they pose a risk to public safety.
Alarming Case Findings
The agency stated it had documented reports of nearly 3 million Tesla cars running red traffic lights and traveling in the wrong way during lane switching while using the system.
NHTSA confirmed it has six reports in which a Tesla vehicle, using full self-driving activated, “approached 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 motor vehicles in the intersection”.
The agency reported that four crashes had resulted in one or more injuries.
Additional Issues Identified
The NHTSA announced it has identified 18 complaints and one news account alleging that Tesla cars, operating at an intersection with FSD engaged, “failed to remain stopped for the duration of a red traffic signal, failed to stop fully, or did not properly recognize and show the proper light status in the car's display”.
Some complainants also claimed that FSD “failed to give alerts of the technology's planned actions as the car was coming to a red light”.
Continuing Regulatory Scrutiny
Tesla's FSD, which is more advanced than its Autopilot system, has been under investigation by NHTSA for a year.
In October 2024, the agency started an inquiry into 2.4 million Tesla cars equipped with FSD after four reported collisions in conditions of reduced visibility, such as bright sunlight, fog or dust clouds. One such accident, in 2023, was fatal.
Company's Official Stance
The company's official position indicates that FSD is “intended for operation by a completely alert motorist, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is ready to assume control at any time. While these features are engineered to improve over time, the presently active features do not make the vehicle autonomous.”
Automated car systems continue to face growing examination from regulatory bodies as the technology advances and real-world testing reveals potential challenges with current implementations.
