American Regulators Begin Investigation into Autonomous Teslas After Series of Accidents

American vehicle safety authorities have opened an examination into Tesla cars featuring the autonomous driving system due to safety regulation breaches after multiple collisions.

Regulatory Body Identifies Safety Regulation Breaches

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced that the automaker's self-driving assistance system, which requires motorists to stay alert and take control when necessary, had caused car behavior that breached road safety regulations”.

This early investigation by the NHTSA represents the initial phase before potentially seeking a recall of the cars if the authority concludes they present a danger to road safety.

Concerning Incident Reports

The regulatory body reported it had received reports of 2.88 million Tesla cars driving through red traffic lights and traveling against the incorrect direction during lane changes while using the technology.

NHTSA stated it has six documented cases in which a Tesla car, using FSD engaged, “approached an intersection with a red traffic signal, proceeded to travel into the intersection against the red light and was subsequently part of a crash with other motor vehicles in the junction”.

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

Further Safety Concerns

The NHTSA stated it has identified 18 complaints and one news account claiming that Tesla vehicles, driving through an intersection with FSD engaged, did not stay stationary for the duration of a red light, did not come to complete stop, or did not properly recognize and display the proper light status in the vehicle interface”.

Several reporters also stated that FSD “did not provide alerts of the system's planned behaviour as the car was coming to a red traffic signal”.

Ongoing Official Examination

The full self-driving system, which is more advanced than its Autopilot system, has been under investigation by NHTSA for a year.

In late 2024, the authority began an investigation into over two million Tesla vehicles 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 deadly.

Company's Stated Position

Tesla's website states that FSD is “intended for operation by a completely alert driver, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is ready to assume control at any moment. While these features are designed to improve over time, the currently enabled functions do not render the vehicle autonomous.”

Automated car systems continue to face growing examination from regulatory bodies as the technology advances and real-world testing reveals possible issues with existing deployments.