American Regulators Launch Inquiry into Self-Driving Tesla Vehicles Following String of Accidents

American vehicle safety authorities have started an examination into Tesla cars equipped with the autonomous driving system due to safety regulation breaches following multiple accidents.

Safety Agency Finds Traffic Law Violations

The federal safety agency stated that the automaker's self-driving assistance system, which requires drivers to remain attentive and take control when necessary, had caused vehicle behaviour that breached road safety regulations”.

This preliminary evaluation by the NHTSA represents the initial phase before possibly seeking a withdrawal of the cars if the agency concludes they pose a risk to public safety.

Concerning Incident Reports

The agency reported it had received accounts of 2.88 million Tesla cars running red traffic lights and moving in the incorrect direction during lane switching while operating the system.

NHTSA stated it has six reports in which a Tesla vehicle, using full self-driving activated, “came to an junction with a red light, continued to drive into the intersection despite the red light and was subsequently part of a crash with other cars in the intersection”.

The authority reported that four accidents had caused injuries to occupants.

Further Issues Identified

The NHTSA announced it has identified 18 complaints and one news account alleging that Tesla vehicles, driving through an junction with FSD engaged, did not stay stationary for the entire time of a red traffic signal, failed to stop fully, or did not properly recognize and show the correct light status in the car's display”.

Some complainants also stated that FSD “did not provide alerts of the technology's intended actions as the car was approaching a red traffic signal”.

Ongoing Official Examination

Tesla's FSD, which is more advanced than its Autopilot system, has been being examined by NHTSA for twelve months.

In late 2024, the agency started an investigation into over two million Tesla cars equipped with FSD after four reported collisions in conditions of reduced visibility, such as sun glare, mist or dust clouds. One of these collisions, in 2023, was deadly.

Manufacturer's Stated Position

The company's official position indicates that FSD is “intended for use with a fully attentive driver, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is ready to assume control at any moment. While these features are designed to become more capable, the currently enabled features do not make the car self-driving.”

Self-driving car systems continue to face growing examination from safety agencies as the technology advances and real-world testing reveals possible issues with current implementations.