đ Share this article American Authorities Initiate Inquiry into Self-Driving Teslas Following String of Crashes US automobile safety regulators have commenced an investigation into Tesla vehicles equipped with the full self-driving technology due to traffic-safety violations following several crashes. Safety Agency Finds Safety Regulation Breaches The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced that the automaker's autonomous driving feature, which demands motorists to stay alert and intervene if needed, had caused car behavior that breached traffic safety lawsâ. This initial assessment by the NHTSA represents the initial phase before possibly requesting a recall of the cars if the agency determines they present a danger to public safety. Concerning Case Findings The agency stated it had documented accounts of nearly 3 million Tesla cars driving through red lights and traveling against the incorrect way during lane changes while using the technology. NHTSA confirmed it has six documented cases in which a Tesla car, operating with full self-driving activated, âcame to an intersection with a red light, proceeded to drive into the intersection despite the red signal and was subsequently part of a collision with other cars in the junctionâ. The authority reported that four crashes had resulted in injuries to occupants. Additional Safety Concerns The NHTSA stated it has found 18 complaints and one news account alleging that Tesla vehicles, driving through 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 âfailed to give alerts of the system's planned actions as the vehicle was coming to a red traffic signalâ. Continuing 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 vehicles equipped with FSD after four reported collisions in conditions of poor visibility, such as sun glare, fog or dust clouds. One such accident, in 2023, was deadly. Manufacturer's Stated Position Tesla's website states that FSD is âdesigned for operation by a fully attentive driver, who has their hands on the steering wheel and is prepared to take over at any time. While these capabilities are engineered to become more capable, the presently active functions do not render the vehicle autonomous.â Self-driving vehicle technology continue to face increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies as the systems develop and practical implementation reveals potential challenges with existing deployments.