American Authorities Initiate Inquiry into Self-Driving Tesla Vehicles After String of Crashes

American vehicle safety authorities have opened an investigation into Tesla vehicles equipped with the full self-driving technology due to traffic-safety violations following numerous accidents.

Safety Agency Identifies Safety Regulation Violations

The federal safety agency stated that the automaker's self-driving assistance system, which requires drivers to remain attentive and intervene if needed, had caused vehicle behaviour that violated road safety regulations”.

This preliminary evaluation by the NHTSA marks the initial phase before potentially seeking a withdrawal of the cars if the agency determines they present a danger to road safety.

Concerning Incident Reports

The agency reported it had documented accounts of nearly 3 million Tesla cars running red traffic lights and traveling against the incorrect way during lane switching while using the system.

NHTSA stated it has six documented cases in which a Tesla vehicle, operating with FSD engaged, “approached an intersection with a red traffic signal, proceeded to travel into the intersection despite the red light and was subsequently part of a crash with other motor vehicles in the junction”.

The agency noted that four accidents had resulted in one or more injuries.

Additional Safety Concerns

The NHTSA stated it has identified 18 complaints and one media report alleging that Tesla vehicles, operating at an junction with FSD engaged, did not stay stationary for the duration of a red traffic signal, 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 “did not provide warnings of the system's intended behaviour as the vehicle was approaching a red traffic signal”.

Continuing Regulatory Scrutiny

The full self-driving system, which is more advanced than its Autopilot system, has been under investigation by NHTSA for twelve months.

In late 2024, the agency started an investigation into 2.4 million Tesla cars using FSD after four documented crashes in conditions of reduced visibility, such as sun glare, fog or airborne dust. One such accident, in 2023, was deadly.

Company's Official Stance

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 prepared to assume control at any moment. 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 growing examination from regulatory bodies as the technology advances and practical implementation reveals potential challenges with current implementations.