US Regulators Begin Investigation into Self-Driving Teslas After String of Collisions
US automobile safety regulators have started an investigation into Tesla cars featuring the autonomous driving system due to traffic-safety violations after several collisions.
Safety Agency Finds Traffic Law Violations
The NHTSA stated that the automaker's self-driving assistance system, which requires drivers to remain attentive and take control when necessary, had “induced vehicle behaviour that violated traffic safety laws”.
This initial assessment by the NHTSA marks the first step before potentially seeking a withdrawal of the vehicles if the agency determines they present a danger to road safety.
Alarming Case Findings
The agency reported it had received accounts of 2.88 million Tesla vehicles running red traffic lights and moving in the wrong way during lane switching while operating the technology.
NHTSA confirmed it has six reports in which a Tesla car, using FSD engaged, “approached an junction with a red traffic signal, proceeded to travel into the intersection despite the red signal and was later involved in a crash with other cars in the junction”.
The agency reported that four crashes had caused injuries to occupants.
Additional Issues Identified
The NHTSA stated it has identified 18 complaints and one media report alleging that Tesla cars, driving through an junction with FSD engaged, did not stay stopped for the entire time of a red light, failed to stop fully, or failed to accurately detect and show the proper light status in the vehicle interface”.
Several reporters also claimed that FSD “failed to give alerts of the system's planned actions as the car was approaching a red traffic signal”.
Continuing Official Examination
Tesla's FSD, which is more advanced than its Autopilot system, has been under investigation by NHTSA for a year.
In late 2024, the authority began an inquiry into 2.4 million Tesla cars using FSD after four reported collisions in conditions of poor visibility, such as sun glare, mist or dust clouds. One such accident, in 2023, was deadly.
Company's Stated Position
The company's official position indicates that FSD is “designed for operation by a completely alert motorist, who has their hands on the wheel and is ready to take over at any moment. While these capabilities are designed to improve over time, the presently active features do not render the vehicle autonomous.”
Automated vehicle technology continue to face increased scrutiny from safety agencies as the systems develop and real-world testing reveals possible issues with existing deployments.
