American Regulators Initiate Inquiry into Autonomous Tesla Vehicles Following Series of Accidents

US automobile safety regulators have commenced an examination into Tesla cars featuring the autonomous driving system due to safety regulation breaches following multiple accidents.

Regulatory Body Finds Safety Regulation Breaches

The federal safety agency stated that the automaker's self-driving assistance system, which demands drivers to stay alert and intervene if needed, had “induced vehicle behaviour that breached traffic safety laws”.

This early investigation by the NHTSA marks the first step before possibly seeking a recall of the vehicles if the agency concludes they pose a risk to road safety.

Concerning Incident Reports

The agency stated it had received accounts of 2.88 million Tesla cars driving through red lights and moving against the wrong direction during lane changes while using the system.

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

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

Further Safety Concerns

The NHTSA stated it has identified 18 reports and one media report claiming that Tesla vehicles, operating at an junction with FSD engaged, did not stay stopped for the entire time of a red light, did not come to complete stop, or failed to accurately detect and display the correct light status in the car's display”.

Several reporters also stated that FSD “failed to give warnings of the system's planned actions as the car was coming to a red traffic signal”.

Continuing Official Examination

Tesla's FSD, which is more sophisticated than its basic autopilot feature, has been under investigation by NHTSA for a year.

In late 2024, the agency started an investigation into over two million Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD after four reported collisions in situations of reduced visibility, such as sun glare, fog or airborne dust. One such accident, in last year, was deadly.

Manufacturer's Stated Position

Tesla's website states that FSD is “designed for use with a completely alert motorist, who has their hands on the wheel and is ready to assume control at any time. While these features are designed to improve over time, the currently enabled functions do not render the vehicle autonomous.”

Automated vehicle technology continue to face increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies as the technology advances and real-world testing reveals possible issues with current implementations.