US Authorities Launch Investigation into Autonomous Tesla Vehicles After Series of Accidents

American vehicle safety authorities have started an examination into Tesla vehicles equipped with the autonomous driving system due to traffic-safety violations after numerous collisions.

Safety Agency Identifies Safety Regulation Violations

The NHTSA declared that the automaker's self-driving assistance system, which demands drivers to remain attentive and intervene if needed, had “induced vehicle behaviour that breached road safety regulations”.

This initial assessment by the NHTSA represents the initial phase before possibly requesting a recall of the cars if the agency concludes they present a danger to road safety.

Concerning Case Findings

The agency reported it had documented reports of 2.88 million Tesla cars running red traffic lights and moving against the incorrect way during lane switching while using the system.

NHTSA stated it has six documented cases in which a Tesla car, operating with full self-driving activated, “approached an intersection with a red light, proceeded to drive into the intersection despite the red signal and was subsequently part of a collision with other cars in the junction”.

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

Further Safety Concerns

The NHTSA announced it has identified 18 reports and one news account alleging that Tesla cars, driving through an intersection with FSD engaged, did not stay stopped for the duration of a red traffic signal, failed to stop fully, or did not properly recognize and show the correct light status in the vehicle interface”.

Several reporters also stated that FSD “did not provide warnings of the system's intended actions as the vehicle was coming to a red light”.

Continuing Regulatory Scrutiny

The full self-driving system, which is more advanced than its basic autopilot feature, has been under investigation by NHTSA for twelve months.

In late 2024, the authority started an inquiry into 2.4 million Tesla cars using FSD after four reported collisions in conditions of poor visibility, such as bright sunlight, mist or airborne dust. One of these collisions, in 2023, was deadly.

Company's Stated Position

Tesla's website states that FSD is “designed 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 capabilities are designed to become more capable, the currently enabled functions do not render the vehicle autonomous.”

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