US Regulators Launch Inquiry into Autonomous Tesla Vehicles After Series of Accidents

US automobile safety regulators have started an examination into Tesla cars equipped with the autonomous driving system due to safety regulation breaches after multiple collisions.

Safety Agency Finds Safety Regulation Violations

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration declared that the automaker's autonomous driving feature, which demands motorists to stay alert and take control when necessary, had “induced car behavior that violated road safety regulations”.

This initial assessment by the NHTSA represents the first step before possibly requesting a withdrawal of the cars if the agency concludes they pose a risk to public safety.

Concerning Case Findings

The agency reported it had documented reports of nearly 3 million Tesla cars running red traffic lights and moving in the wrong way during lane switching while using the system.

NHTSA confirmed it has six documented cases in which a Tesla vehicle, operating with full self-driving engaged, “came to an intersection with a red traffic signal, proceeded to drive into the intersection despite the red signal and was later involved in a collision with other motor vehicles in the intersection”.

The authority noted that four crashes had caused injuries to occupants.

Further Safety Concerns

The NHTSA announced it has identified 18 complaints and one media report claiming that Tesla cars, operating at an junction with FSD engaged, did not stay stationary for the duration of a red light, failed to stop fully, or did not properly recognize and display the proper light status in the car's display”.

Several reporters also claimed that FSD “failed to give warnings of the technology's planned actions as the vehicle was approaching a red traffic signal”.

Ongoing Official Examination

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

In October 2024, the authority began an inquiry into over two million Tesla cars using FSD after four reported collisions in conditions of poor visibility, such as bright sunlight, fog or dust clouds. One of these collisions, in 2023, was deadly.

Manufacturer's Official Stance

Tesla's website states that FSD is “intended for operation by a fully attentive driver, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is prepared to take over at any moment. While these features are designed to become more capable, the presently active features do not render the vehicle self-driving.”

Self-driving car systems continue to face increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies as the systems develop and real-world testing reveals potential challenges with current implementations.