US Authorities Initiate Probe into Self-Driving Tesla Vehicles After Series of Crashes

US automobile safety regulators have opened an probe into Tesla vehicles featuring the full self-driving technology due to traffic-safety violations after several accidents.

Safety Agency Finds Traffic Law Violations

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration declared that the automaker's autonomous driving feature, which demands drivers to stay alert 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 requesting a withdrawal of the vehicles if the agency determines they present a danger to road safety.

Concerning Case Findings

The agency reported it had documented reports of nearly 3 million Tesla vehicles running red traffic lights and traveling in the incorrect way during lane changes while operating the technology.

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

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

Additional Safety Concerns

The NHTSA announced it has found 18 reports and one media report alleging that Tesla cars, driving through an intersection with FSD active, did not stay stationary for the entire time of a red traffic signal, failed to stop fully, or failed to accurately detect and show the correct light status in the car's display”.

Some complainants also stated that FSD “failed to give alerts of the system's intended actions as the vehicle was coming to a red traffic signal”.

Continuing Official Examination

The full self-driving system, which is more advanced than its Autopilot system, has been being examined by NHTSA for a year.

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

Manufacturer's Stated Position

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

Automated vehicle technology continue to face growing examination from safety agencies as the systems develop and real-world testing reveals potential challenges with current implementations.