🔗 Share this article US Authorities Initiate Inquiry into Autonomous Tesla Vehicles Following String of Accidents American vehicle safety authorities have commenced an probe into Tesla cars equipped with the full self-driving technology due to traffic-safety violations following numerous crashes. Regulatory Body Finds Traffic Law Violations The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stated that the automaker's autonomous driving feature, which requires drivers to stay alert and take control when necessary, had “induced vehicle behaviour that violated traffic safety laws”. This preliminary evaluation by the NHTSA represents the initial phase before possibly requesting a withdrawal of the cars if the authority concludes they pose a risk to public safety. Alarming Incident Reports The agency reported it had documented reports of 2.88 million Tesla cars running red traffic lights and moving against the incorrect way during lane changes while operating the technology. NHTSA stated it has six reports in which a Tesla vehicle, operating with full self-driving engaged, “came to an junction with a red light, continued to travel into the crossroads despite the red signal and was later part of a collision with other motor vehicles in the intersection”. The authority reported that four accidents had resulted in one or more injuries. Further Issues Identified The NHTSA announced it has identified 18 complaints and one media report claiming that Tesla vehicles, operating at an junction with FSD engaged, did not stay stopped for the entire time of a red traffic signal, failed to stop fully, or failed to accurately detect and show the correct traffic signal state in the vehicle interface”. Some complainants also claimed that FSD “did not provide alerts of the system's planned actions as the car was approaching a red light”. 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 agency began an inquiry into over two million Tesla cars equipped with FSD after four documented crashes in situations of reduced visibility, such as bright sunlight, fog or airborne dust. One such accident, in last year, was deadly. Company's Official Stance The company's official position indicates that FSD is “intended for use with a completely alert motorist, who has their hands on the wheel and is ready to assume control at any time. While these capabilities are designed to improve over time, the presently active functions do not render the vehicle self-driving.” Automated vehicle technology continue to face increased scrutiny from safety agencies as the systems develop and practical implementation reveals potential challenges with existing deployments.