American Regulators Begin Inquiry into Self-Driving Tesla Vehicles After Series of Collisions
US automobile safety regulators have commenced an investigation into Tesla cars featuring the full self-driving technology due to safety regulation breaches following multiple accidents.
Regulatory Body Identifies Safety Regulation Violations
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced that the electric carmaker's autonomous driving feature, which demands drivers to stay alert and intervene if needed, had “induced vehicle behaviour that violated road safety regulations”.
This initial assessment by the NHTSA represents the first step before potentially requesting a recall of the cars if the agency concludes they present a danger to road safety.
Concerning Case Findings
The regulatory body stated it had received reports of 2.88 million Tesla vehicles driving through red lights and traveling against the wrong way during lane switching while operating the technology.
NHTSA confirmed it has six reports in which a Tesla car, using FSD activated, “came to an intersection with a red light, continued to travel into the intersection against the red signal and was later involved in a crash with other motor vehicles in the intersection”.
The authority reported that four accidents had resulted in one or more injuries.
Additional Issues Identified
The NHTSA announced it has identified 18 reports and one news account alleging that Tesla cars, operating at an intersection with FSD active, “failed to remain stationary for the duration of a red traffic signal, did not come to complete stop, or did not properly recognize and display the proper light status in the vehicle interface”.
Several reporters also stated that FSD “failed to give warnings of the system's intended behaviour as the car was approaching a red light”.
Ongoing Official Examination
Tesla's FSD, which is more sophisticated than its basic autopilot feature, has been under investigation by NHTSA for twelve months.
In October 2024, the agency started an inquiry into 2.4 million Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD after four reported collisions in situations of reduced visibility, such as bright sunlight, fog or dust clouds. One such accident, in last year, was deadly.
Company's Stated Position
The company's official position indicates that FSD is “designed for use with a fully attentive motorist, who has their hands on the wheel and is prepared to assume control at any time. While these capabilities are engineered to improve over time, the presently active functions do not render the car self-driving.”
Self-driving car systems continue to face growing examination from regulatory bodies as the systems develop and practical implementation reveals potential challenges with existing deployments.