American Authorities Launch Investigation into Autonomous Teslas Following Series of Collisions
US automobile safety regulators have opened an investigation into Tesla vehicles featuring the full self-driving technology due to traffic-safety violations after several crashes.
Regulatory Body Identifies Safety Regulation Breaches
The federal safety agency stated that the automaker's self-driving assistance system, which requires drivers to stay alert and intervene if needed, had caused vehicle behaviour that breached road safety regulations”.
This initial assessment by the NHTSA represents the initial phase before potentially seeking a recall of the cars if the agency concludes they present a danger to public safety.
Alarming Case Findings
The regulatory body reported it had received reports of 2.88 million Tesla cars driving through red traffic lights and moving in the incorrect direction during lane switching while operating the technology.
NHTSA confirmed it has six documented cases in which a Tesla car, using FSD engaged, “approached an intersection with a red light, proceeded to travel into the crossroads against the red light and was later involved in a collision with other cars in the intersection”.
The agency noted that four accidents had caused one or more injuries.
Additional Safety Concerns
The NHTSA stated it has identified 18 reports and one news account claiming that Tesla cars, operating at an intersection with FSD engaged, “failed to remain stopped for the entire time of a red light, did not come to complete stop, 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 technology's intended actions as the vehicle was coming to a red light”.
Continuing Official Examination
Tesla's FSD, which is more sophisticated than its Autopilot system, has been being examined by NHTSA for twelve months.
In October 2024, the authority 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 airborne dust. One such accident, in 2023, was deadly.
Company's Stated Position
The company's official position indicates that FSD is “intended for operation by a completely alert driver, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is prepared to take over at any time. While these capabilities are engineered to improve over time, the presently active functions do not render the car autonomous.”
Self-driving car systems continue to face increased scrutiny from safety agencies as the technology advances and practical implementation reveals possible issues with existing deployments.