US Authorities Begin Probe into Self-Driving Tesla Vehicles Following Series of Accidents

US automobile safety regulators have opened an probe into Tesla vehicles equipped with the autonomous driving system due to traffic-safety violations after multiple crashes.

Safety Agency Identifies Traffic Law Violations

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration declared that the electric carmaker's self-driving assistance system, which demands drivers to stay alert and take control when necessary, had caused car behavior that violated road safety regulations”.

This preliminary evaluation by the NHTSA represents the first step before potentially seeking a withdrawal of the cars if the authority determines they present a danger to public safety.

Concerning Case Findings

The agency reported it had received reports of nearly 3 million Tesla vehicles driving through red traffic lights and moving against the incorrect direction during lane switching while operating the system.

NHTSA stated it has six documented cases in which a Tesla car, operating with FSD activated, “approached an intersection with a red light, proceeded to travel into the intersection against the red light and was later part of a collision with other motor vehicles in the intersection”.

The authority noted that four crashes had caused one or more injuries.

Further Safety Concerns

The NHTSA announced it has found 18 reports and one news account claiming that Tesla cars, operating at an junction with FSD engaged, “failed to remain stopped for the duration of a red light, failed to stop fully, or did not properly recognize and show the correct traffic signal state in the vehicle interface”.

Several reporters also claimed that FSD “failed to give alerts of the system's intended behaviour as the car was coming to a red light”.

Continuing Regulatory Scrutiny

Tesla's FSD, which is more advanced than its basic autopilot feature, has been being examined by NHTSA for a year.

In late 2024, the agency started an inquiry into 2.4 million Tesla cars equipped with FSD after four reported collisions in conditions of poor visibility, such as bright sunlight, mist or airborne dust. One of these collisions, in last year, was fatal.

Manufacturer's Official Stance

Tesla's website states that FSD is “designed for operation by a fully attentive motorist, who has their hands on the wheel and is prepared to assume control at any time. While these capabilities are designed to improve over time, the currently enabled functions do not make the car autonomous.”

Self-driving car systems continue to face increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies as the technology advances and practical implementation reveals potential challenges with existing deployments.