🔗 Share this article American Authorities Launch Inquiry into Self-Driving Tesla Vehicles Following Series of Accidents US automobile safety regulators have opened an examination into Tesla cars featuring the autonomous driving system due to traffic-safety violations following several crashes. Regulatory Body Identifies Safety Regulation Violations The NHTSA announced that the electric carmaker's self-driving assistance system, which demands drivers to remain attentive and intervene if needed, had “induced vehicle behaviour that breached traffic safety laws”. This early investigation by the NHTSA represents the initial phase before potentially seeking a withdrawal of the cars if the authority concludes they present a danger to public safety. Alarming Case Findings The regulatory body reported it had received accounts of 2.88 million Tesla vehicles running red traffic lights and traveling against the wrong direction during lane switching while operating the system. NHTSA confirmed it has six reports in which a Tesla car, using full self-driving engaged, “came to an junction with a red light, continued to travel into the crossroads 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 caused one or more injuries. Further Issues Identified The NHTSA stated it has found 18 reports and one news account claiming that Tesla vehicles, operating at an junction with FSD engaged, did not stay stationary for the entire time of a red traffic signal, did not come to complete stop, or did not properly recognize and display the correct traffic signal state in the vehicle interface”. Several reporters also claimed that FSD “failed to give warnings of the system's intended behaviour as the car was approaching a red traffic signal”. Ongoing Official Examination The full self-driving system, which is more advanced than its Autopilot system, has been being examined by NHTSA for twelve months. In late 2024, the authority started an investigation into over two million Tesla vehicles using FSD after four reported collisions in situations of reduced visibility, such as bright sunlight, mist or dust clouds. One of these collisions, in 2023, was fatal. Manufacturer's Stated Position The company's official position indicates that FSD is “intended for operation by a fully attentive motorist, who has their hands on the wheel and is prepared to take over at any time. While these capabilities are designed to improve over time, the presently active functions do not render the vehicle self-driving.” Automated car systems continue to face increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies as the systems develop and practical implementation reveals possible issues with existing deployments.