US Regulators Launch Investigation into Self-Driving Teslas After String of Accidents

US automobile safety regulators have commenced an probe into Tesla vehicles featuring the full self-driving technology due to traffic-safety violations following multiple accidents.

Regulatory Body Finds Safety Regulation Violations

The federal safety agency declared that the automaker's autonomous driving feature, which demands motorists to remain attentive and intervene if needed, had caused vehicle behaviour that violated traffic safety laws”.

This early investigation by the NHTSA marks the first step before possibly requesting a recall of the vehicles if the agency determines they present a danger to road safety.

Concerning Incident Reports

The regulatory body reported it had received reports of nearly 3 million Tesla cars running red traffic lights and traveling against the incorrect way during lane changes while using the system.

NHTSA confirmed it has six documented cases in which a Tesla vehicle, using FSD activated, “came to an junction with a red light, proceeded to travel into the intersection despite the red light and was later part of a collision with other motor vehicles in the junction”.

The authority noted that four accidents had resulted in injuries to occupants.

Additional Safety Concerns

The NHTSA stated it has identified 18 complaints and one media report alleging that Tesla cars, driving through an intersection 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 display the proper traffic signal state in the vehicle interface”.

Some complainants also stated that FSD “failed to give warnings of the system's intended behaviour 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 a year.

In October 2024, the authority started an inquiry into over two million Tesla cars equipped with FSD after four documented crashes in situations of reduced visibility, such as bright sunlight, mist or dust clouds. One of these collisions, in last year, was fatal.

Company's Stated Position

Tesla's website states that FSD is “intended for use with a completely alert motorist, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is ready to assume control at any moment. While these capabilities are designed to become more capable, the presently active functions do not render the vehicle self-driving.”

Self-driving vehicle technology continue to face increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies as the systems develop and practical implementation reveals potential challenges with current implementations.