Tesla Faces Probe Over Self-Driving Accidents
The recent investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) into Tesla's self-driving technology has raised significant concerns in the automotive industry. This probe involves 2.9 million Tesla vehicles following reports of accidents where cars in Full Self-Driving (FSD) mode violated traffic laws. Such incidents included running red lights and driving into opposing lanes, resulting in crashes and injuries.
Customers reported alarming experiences, stating that their vehicles provided no warnings before exhibiting dangerous behaviors. The NHTSA is particularly focusing on incidents occurring at intersections, but will also examine other scenarios, such as railway crossings where Tesla cars reportedly fail to stop even when warnings are active.
This investigation isn't the first for Tesla regarding the safety of its technology. Earlier this year, NHTSA looked into a "summon" feature, which allows cars to navigate to drivers in parking lots. Additionally, in August, another inquiry was launched to address concerns about Tesla's failure to promptly report crashes, a requirement for all manufacturers.
In a notable case, a Florida jury recently held Tesla partly responsible for a fatal crash involving its Autopilot technology, distinguishing it from the FSD. The jury's decision mandated Tesla to pay over $240 million in damages, a ruling the company plans to appeal.
The FSD system under scrutiny is categorized as Level 2 driver-assistance software, meaning drivers must remain attentive at all times. Despite these challenges, Tesla continues to develop its technology, having recently released a new version of FSD and testing an upgraded version that claims to require no driver intervention—a promise CEO Elon Musk has made for years.
The ongoing investigations into Tesla's safety practices highlight the critical balance between innovation and safety in the rapidly evolving automotive landscape. As India also embraces electric vehicles and advanced driving technologies, such developments could have implications for regulatory standards and consumer trust in the country.
