đ Share this article American Authorities Launch Probe into Self-Driving Tesla Vehicles Following Series of Accidents US automobile safety regulators have started an examination into Tesla vehicles featuring the autonomous driving system due to safety regulation breaches after numerous accidents. Safety Agency Identifies Traffic Law Violations The federal safety agency stated that the electric carmaker's autonomous driving feature, which requires motorists to remain attentive and intervene if needed, had caused car behavior that breached traffic safety lawsâ. This preliminary evaluation by the NHTSA represents the initial phase before potentially seeking a withdrawal of the cars if the agency determines they pose a risk to public safety. Alarming Incident Reports The agency reported it had received accounts of 2.88 million Tesla cars driving through red traffic lights and traveling in the wrong direction during lane switching while operating the technology. NHTSA stated it has six reports in which a Tesla vehicle, using full self-driving activated, âcame to an intersection with a red traffic signal, continued to travel into the crossroads despite the red signal and was subsequently involved in a collision with other cars in the junctionâ. The authority noted that four crashes had caused injuries to occupants. Further Issues Identified The NHTSA stated it has identified 18 complaints and one news account claiming that Tesla cars, operating at an junction with FSD active, did not stay stopped for the duration of a red light, failed to stop fully, or did not properly recognize and show the proper light status in the vehicle interfaceâ. Several reporters also stated that FSD âdid not provide warnings of the system's planned actions as the car was approaching a red traffic signalâ. 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 inquiry into over two million Tesla vehicles using FSD after four reported collisions in conditions of poor visibility, such as bright sunlight, fog or dust clouds. One of these collisions, in last year, was fatal. Company's Stated Position The company's official position indicates that FSD is âintended for operation by a completely alert driver, who has their hands on the wheel and is ready to take over at any moment. While these capabilities are engineered to become more capable, the presently active functions do not make the car self-driving.â Automated vehicle technology continue to face growing examination from safety agencies as the technology advances and real-world testing reveals possible issues with existing deployments.