American Authorities Initiate Investigation into Autonomous Teslas After Series of Accidents

American vehicle safety authorities have opened an examination into Tesla cars equipped with the full self-driving technology due to traffic-safety violations following several collisions.

Regulatory Body Finds Safety Regulation Breaches

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration declared that the automaker's self-driving assistance system, which demands motorists to stay alert and intervene if needed, had “induced car behavior that violated traffic safety laws”.

This initial assessment by the NHTSA represents the first step before potentially seeking a withdrawal of the cars if the authority determines they pose a risk to road safety.

Alarming Incident Reports

The agency stated it had received accounts of 2.88 million Tesla cars driving through red lights and traveling in the incorrect way during lane switching while operating the system.

NHTSA confirmed it has six documented cases in which a Tesla vehicle, using full self-driving engaged, “approached an junction with a red traffic signal, proceeded to drive into the intersection against the red light and was subsequently involved in a crash with other cars in the intersection”.

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

Additional Safety Concerns

The NHTSA stated it has identified 18 reports and one media report claiming that Tesla vehicles, driving through an intersection with FSD engaged, “failed to remain stopped for the entire time of a red traffic signal, failed to stop fully, or failed to accurately detect and show the proper traffic signal state in the car's display”.

Several reporters also claimed that FSD “did not provide warnings of the system's planned actions as the vehicle was approaching a red traffic signal”.

Ongoing Official Examination

The full self-driving system, which is more advanced than its basic autopilot feature, has been being examined by NHTSA for twelve months.

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

Manufacturer's Stated Position

Tesla's website states that FSD is “intended for use with a fully attentive motorist, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is prepared to take over at any time. While these capabilities are designed to become more capable, the presently active features do not make the car self-driving.”

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.