đ Share this article American Regulators Begin Probe into Autonomous Tesla Vehicles Following Series of Crashes US automobile safety regulators have opened an investigation into Tesla vehicles featuring the autonomous driving system due to traffic-safety violations after numerous crashes. Regulatory Body Identifies Safety Regulation Breaches The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stated that the electric carmaker's self-driving assistance system, which demands drivers to remain attentive and take control when necessary, had âinduced car behavior that breached road safety regulationsâ. This initial assessment by the NHTSA marks the initial phase before possibly seeking a recall of the vehicles if the authority concludes they pose a risk to road safety. Concerning Incident Reports The regulatory body reported it had received reports of nearly 3 million Tesla cars running red traffic lights and moving in the incorrect direction during lane switching while using the technology. NHTSA confirmed it has six reports in which a Tesla car, operating with full self-driving activated, âcame to an junction with a red traffic signal, continued to drive into the crossroads despite the red signal and was later involved in a crash with other cars in the intersectionâ. The authority noted that four crashes had resulted in injuries to occupants. Additional Safety Concerns The NHTSA stated it has found 18 reports and one news account alleging that Tesla vehicles, operating at an intersection with FSD engaged, did not stay stationary for the duration of a red light, failed to stop fully, or did not properly recognize and display the proper light status in the vehicle interfaceâ. Some complainants also claimed that FSD âdid not provide alerts of the technology's planned behaviour as the vehicle was coming to a red traffic signalâ. Ongoing Official Examination The full self-driving system, which is more advanced than its Autopilot system, has been being examined by NHTSA for a year. In late 2024, the agency began an investigation into over two million Tesla vehicles using FSD after four documented crashes in situations of reduced visibility, such as bright sunlight, mist or airborne dust. One such accident, in 2023, was fatal. Company's Stated Position The company's official position indicates that FSD is âdesigned for use with a fully attentive motorist, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is ready to take over at any time. While these capabilities are designed to improve over time, the currently enabled features do not render the vehicle autonomous.â Self-driving vehicle technology continue to face increased scrutiny from safety agencies as the systems develop and practical implementation reveals potential challenges with existing deployments.