🔗 Share this article US Authorities Initiate Inquiry into Self-Driving Teslas Following String of Accidents American vehicle safety authorities have started an investigation into Tesla vehicles featuring the autonomous driving system due to traffic-safety violations after numerous accidents. Safety Agency Finds Traffic Law Violations The federal safety agency stated that the electric carmaker's autonomous driving feature, which demands motorists to stay alert and take control when necessary, had caused vehicle behaviour that breached traffic safety laws”. This initial assessment by the NHTSA marks the first step before possibly requesting a withdrawal of the vehicles if the agency concludes they present a danger to public safety. Concerning Case Findings The agency reported it had received reports of 2.88 million Tesla cars running red lights and moving against the incorrect way during lane switching while operating the system. NHTSA stated it has six reports in which a Tesla vehicle, using FSD activated, “came to an intersection with a red traffic signal, proceeded to drive into the intersection despite the red signal and was subsequently involved in a collision with other cars in the intersection”. The authority noted that four accidents had resulted in injuries to occupants. Further Safety Concerns The NHTSA announced it has found 18 reports and one news account claiming that Tesla cars, driving through an intersection with FSD active, did not stay stationary for the entire time of a red light, failed to stop fully, or did not properly recognize and display the correct traffic signal state in the vehicle interface”. Some complainants also claimed that FSD “failed to give warnings of the technology's intended behaviour as the vehicle was approaching a red traffic signal”. Ongoing Official Examination Tesla's FSD, which is more advanced than its basic autopilot feature, has been under investigation by NHTSA for a year. In late 2024, the authority started an investigation into 2.4 million Tesla cars equipped with FSD after four documented crashes in situations of reduced visibility, such as sun glare, mist or airborne dust. One such accident, in 2023, was deadly. 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 take over at any time. While these capabilities are designed to become more capable, the presently active functions do not render the car autonomous.” Self-driving vehicle technology continue to face increased scrutiny from safety agencies as the technology advances and practical implementation reveals potential challenges with existing deployments.