US Authorities Initiate Probe into Self-Driving Teslas Following Series of Collisions
US automobile safety regulators have opened an examination into Tesla cars equipped with the autonomous driving system due to traffic-safety violations following numerous crashes.
Safety Agency Identifies Traffic Law Breaches
The NHTSA stated that the automaker's self-driving assistance system, which demands drivers to stay alert and take control when necessary, had “induced car behavior that violated road safety regulations”.
This initial assessment by the NHTSA represents the initial phase before possibly seeking a recall of the cars if the authority determines they pose a risk to road safety.
Concerning Incident Reports
The agency reported it had received reports of 2.88 million Tesla vehicles running red lights and moving in the wrong direction during lane switching while operating the system.
NHTSA confirmed it has six reports in which a Tesla vehicle, using full self-driving engaged, “approached an junction with a red traffic signal, proceeded to travel into the crossroads against the red light and was later part of a collision with other cars in the junction”.
The agency reported that four accidents had resulted in one or more injuries.
Additional Safety Concerns
The NHTSA stated it has identified 18 complaints and one news account claiming that Tesla cars, driving through an intersection with FSD active, did not stay stopped for the duration of a red light, failed to stop fully, or did not properly recognize and display the proper traffic signal state in the car's display”.
Some complainants also stated that FSD “did not provide warnings of the technology's planned actions as the car was coming to a red traffic signal”.
Continuing Regulatory Scrutiny
Tesla's FSD, which is more advanced than its basic autopilot feature, has been being examined by NHTSA for a year.
In late 2024, the agency began an inquiry into 2.4 million Tesla cars using FSD after four reported collisions in situations of poor visibility, such as bright sunlight, mist or dust clouds. One such accident, in last year, was fatal.
Company's Stated Position
The company's official position indicates that FSD is “intended for use with a completely alert motorist, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is prepared to take over at any moment. While these features are designed to become more capable, the presently active functions do not render the car autonomous.”
Automated vehicle technology continue to face increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies as the technology advances and real-world testing reveals potential challenges with existing deployments.
