American vehicle safety authorities have commenced an investigation into Tesla vehicles featuring the full self-driving technology due to safety regulation breaches after numerous crashes.
Regulatory Body Finds Safety Regulation Violations
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stated that the electric carmaker's self-driving assistance system, which requires drivers to stay alert and take control when necessary, had “induced car behavior that breached traffic safety laws”.
This preliminary evaluation by the NHTSA marks the initial phase before possibly seeking a withdrawal of the vehicles if the authority determines they pose a risk to road safety.
Concerning Case Findings
The regulatory body reported it had received reports of nearly 3 million Tesla cars running red traffic lights and traveling against the incorrect way during lane switching while operating the system.
NHTSA confirmed it has six documented cases in which a Tesla vehicle, using full self-driving engaged, “approached an junction with a red light, proceeded to travel into the crossroads against the red signal and was subsequently part of a collision with other motor vehicles in the junction”.
The agency noted that four accidents had resulted in one or more injuries.
Additional Issues Identified
The NHTSA announced it has identified 18 complaints and one media report alleging that Tesla vehicles, driving through an junction with FSD engaged, “failed to remain stationary for the duration of a red light, failed to stop fully, or failed to accurately detect and display the correct traffic signal state in the vehicle interface”.
Some complainants also claimed that FSD “failed to give alerts of the system's planned actions as the vehicle was approaching a red traffic signal”.
Continuing Official Examination
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 agency began an inquiry into over two million Tesla cars equipped with FSD after four reported collisions in conditions of reduced visibility, such as sun glare, fog or dust clouds. One of these collisions, in 2023, was fatal.
Company's Stated Position
Tesla's website states that FSD is “designed for operation by a completely alert motorist, who has their hands on the wheel and is ready to take over at any time. While these features are engineered to improve over time, the currently enabled features do not make the vehicle autonomous.”
Self-driving vehicle technology continue to face growing examination from safety agencies as the systems develop and practical implementation reveals potential challenges with existing deployments.
