US Regulators Launch Probe into Autonomous Teslas Following Series of Collisions

American vehicle safety authorities have commenced an investigation into Tesla vehicles featuring the autonomous driving system due to traffic-safety violations following numerous collisions.

Safety Agency Finds Traffic Law Violations

The NHTSA announced that the automaker's self-driving assistance system, which demands motorists to remain attentive and intervene if needed, had caused vehicle behaviour that breached traffic safety laws”.

This initial assessment by the NHTSA marks the first step before potentially requesting a withdrawal of the cars if the agency determines they present a danger to public safety.

Concerning Case Findings

The regulatory body reported it had received accounts of nearly 3 million Tesla cars driving through red lights and traveling in the wrong direction during lane switching while operating the system.

NHTSA confirmed it has six documented cases in which a Tesla vehicle, operating with full self-driving engaged, “approached an junction with a red traffic signal, continued to drive into the crossroads despite the red signal and was later involved in a crash with other cars in the junction”.

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

Further Issues Identified

The NHTSA announced it has identified 18 reports and one media report claiming that Tesla cars, operating at an junction with FSD active, did not stay stationary for the entire time of a red light, failed to stop fully, or did not properly recognize and show the proper traffic signal state in the car's display”.

Some complainants also claimed that FSD “did not provide warnings of the technology's planned actions as the vehicle was approaching a red light”.

Continuing Regulatory Scrutiny

Tesla's FSD, which is more sophisticated than its Autopilot system, has been being examined by NHTSA for a year.

In late 2024, the authority started an investigation into over two million Tesla cars using FSD after four reported collisions in conditions of poor visibility, such as bright sunlight, mist or airborne dust. One such accident, in last year, was deadly.

Manufacturer's Stated Position

Tesla's website states that FSD is “designed for operation by a completely alert motorist, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is ready to assume control at any time. While these capabilities are designed to improve over time, the presently active features do not make the vehicle autonomous.”

Self-driving vehicle technology continue to face growing examination from regulatory bodies as the technology advances and practical implementation reveals potential challenges with existing deployments.