🔗 Share this article US Authorities Initiate Probe into Self-Driving Teslas Following Series of Collisions American vehicle safety authorities have started an probe into Tesla cars equipped with the autonomous driving system due to safety regulation breaches following several accidents. Safety Agency Finds Safety Regulation Breaches The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration declared that the automaker's self-driving assistance system, which demands motorists to stay alert and intervene if needed, had caused vehicle behaviour that violated traffic safety laws”. This preliminary evaluation by the NHTSA marks the first step before possibly requesting a withdrawal of the cars if the agency determines they present a danger to public safety. Concerning Case Findings The agency reported it had documented reports of 2.88 million Tesla cars running red lights and traveling against the incorrect way during lane switching while using the technology. NHTSA confirmed it has six documented cases in which a Tesla vehicle, operating with FSD engaged, “came to an junction with a red light, continued to travel into the intersection against the red light and was later involved in a crash with other motor vehicles in the junction”. The authority reported that four crashes had resulted in injuries to occupants. Further Issues Identified The NHTSA announced it has found 18 complaints and one news account claiming that Tesla cars, operating at an intersection with FSD active, “failed to remain stopped for the duration of a red light, failed to stop fully, or did not properly recognize and show the proper traffic signal state in the car's display”. Some complainants also stated that FSD “failed to give alerts of the technology's intended actions as the car was coming to a red traffic signal”. Continuing Regulatory Scrutiny The full self-driving system, which is more sophisticated than its basic autopilot feature, has been under investigation by NHTSA for twelve months. In October 2024, the authority began an inquiry into over two million Tesla vehicles using FSD after four reported collisions in conditions of reduced visibility, such as sun glare, mist or dust clouds. One such accident, in last year, was deadly. Manufacturer's Stated Position The company's official position indicates that FSD is “intended for use with a fully attentive motorist, who has their hands on the wheel and is ready to assume control at any time. While these capabilities are engineered to improve over time, the presently active functions do not make the vehicle autonomous.” Automated car systems continue to face growing examination from regulatory bodies as the systems develop and practical implementation reveals potential challenges with current implementations.