American Regulators Initiate Probe into Autonomous Teslas Following Series of Accidents

American vehicle safety authorities have commenced an probe into Tesla cars featuring the full self-driving technology due to safety regulation breaches following multiple accidents.

Regulatory Body Finds Safety Regulation Violations

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced that the electric carmaker's autonomous driving feature, which demands drivers to stay alert and take control when necessary, had “induced car behavior that violated road safety regulations”.

This initial assessment by the NHTSA represents the first step before potentially seeking a recall of the cars if the authority determines they pose a risk to public safety.

Concerning Case Findings

The agency stated it had received accounts of nearly 3 million Tesla cars driving through red traffic lights and moving against the incorrect way during lane switching while operating the system.

NHTSA stated it has six reports in which a Tesla car, using FSD engaged, “approached an intersection with a red traffic signal, continued to drive into the intersection despite the red signal and was subsequently part of a collision with other motor vehicles in the intersection”.

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

Additional Safety Concerns

The NHTSA announced it has found 18 reports and one news account alleging that Tesla vehicles, operating at an junction with FSD engaged, “failed to remain stopped for the duration of a red light, did not come to complete stop, or failed to accurately detect and display the correct light status in the vehicle interface”.

Some complainants also claimed that FSD “failed to give warnings of the system's planned behaviour as the car was coming to a red light”.

Continuing Regulatory Scrutiny

Tesla's FSD, which is more advanced than its Autopilot system, has been under investigation by NHTSA for a year.

In October 2024, the agency began an inquiry into over two million Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD after four reported collisions in conditions of reduced visibility, such as bright sunlight, mist or airborne dust. One such accident, in last year, was deadly.

Manufacturer's Official Stance

The company's official position indicates that FSD is “designed for use with a fully attentive driver, who has their hands on the wheel and is prepared to take over at any time. While these features are designed to improve over time, the currently enabled features do not render the car self-driving.”

Automated car systems continue to face increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies as the systems develop and practical implementation reveals potential challenges with existing deployments.