US Authorities Initiate Probe into Self-Driving Teslas After Series of Collisions

US automobile safety regulators have opened an investigation into Tesla cars featuring the autonomous driving system due to traffic-safety violations after several accidents.

Safety Agency Finds Safety Regulation Breaches

The federal safety agency announced that the automaker's self-driving assistance system, which demands motorists to stay alert and take control when necessary, had “induced vehicle behaviour that violated road safety regulations”.

This early investigation by the NHTSA marks the first step before potentially seeking a withdrawal of the cars if the agency determines they pose a risk to public safety.

Alarming Incident Reports

The agency stated it had received accounts of nearly 3 million Tesla cars driving through red traffic lights and traveling in the wrong direction during lane switching while using the system.

NHTSA confirmed it has six documented cases in which a Tesla car, using FSD activated, “approached an intersection with a red traffic signal, proceeded to travel into the intersection 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 resulted in one or more injuries.

Additional Issues Identified

The NHTSA announced it has found 18 complaints and one news account claiming that Tesla vehicles, operating at an intersection with FSD engaged, did not stay stationary for the duration of a red traffic signal, did not come to complete stop, or did not properly recognize and show the proper light status in the car's display”.

Several reporters also stated that FSD “did not provide alerts of the technology's planned behaviour as the vehicle was coming to a red light”.

Continuing Official Examination

The full self-driving system, which is more advanced than its basic autopilot feature, has been being examined by NHTSA for twelve months.

In October 2024, the agency started an investigation into over two million Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD after four documented crashes in situations of reduced visibility, such as bright sunlight, mist or airborne dust. One such accident, in 2023, was deadly.

Manufacturer's Official Stance

The company's official position indicates that FSD is “intended for operation by a completely alert motorist, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is prepared to assume control at any moment. While these features are designed to become more capable, the currently enabled functions do not make the car autonomous.”

Self-driving car systems continue to face increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies as the technology advances and real-world testing reveals potential challenges with current implementations.