American Authorities Begin Investigation into Autonomous Teslas Following String of Collisions

US automobile safety regulators have opened an examination into Tesla vehicles featuring the full self-driving technology due to traffic-safety violations following several collisions.

Safety Agency Finds Safety Regulation Breaches

The NHTSA announced that the automaker's autonomous driving feature, which demands drivers to remain attentive and take control when necessary, had caused vehicle behaviour that breached traffic safety laws”.

This initial assessment by the NHTSA represents the first step before possibly seeking a recall of the vehicles if the agency concludes they pose a risk to public safety.

Concerning Incident Reports

The agency reported it had documented reports of 2.88 million Tesla cars running red traffic lights and traveling in the incorrect direction during lane switching while operating the system.

NHTSA stated it has six reports in which a Tesla car, using full self-driving activated, “approached an junction with a red traffic signal, proceeded to drive into the crossroads despite the red light and was later involved in a collision with other cars in the junction”.

The authority noted that four accidents had caused injuries to occupants.

Further Issues Identified

The NHTSA announced it has identified 18 reports and one news account claiming that Tesla cars, driving through an junction with FSD active, “failed to remain stationary for the duration 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 “did not provide alerts of the technology's planned actions as the car was approaching a red traffic signal”.

Continuing Official Examination

Tesla's FSD, which is more sophisticated than its basic autopilot feature, has been under investigation by NHTSA for a year.

In late 2024, the authority began an investigation into over two million Tesla vehicles using FSD after four reported collisions in conditions of poor visibility, such as sun glare, mist or airborne dust. One such accident, in 2023, was fatal.

Company's Stated Position

The company's official position indicates that FSD is “designed for use with a completely alert driver, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is ready to assume control at any moment. While these capabilities are designed to become more capable, the currently enabled functions do not render the vehicle self-driving.”

Self-driving car systems continue to face growing examination from safety agencies as the technology advances and real-world testing reveals possible issues with existing deployments.