Home US probes millions of self-driving Tesla vehicles over FSD-related accidents

US probes millions of self-driving Tesla vehicles over FSD-related accidents

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into 2.4 million Tesla vehicles equipped with the Full Self-Driving (FSD) software following a series of accidents that occurred under low-visibility conditions.

The U.S. auto safety regulator began looking into the situation following four reported collisions, including a 2023 fatal crash. All four accidents took place in “an area of reduced roadway visibility conditions” with the Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, either in beta or supervised mode, activated. According to the NHTSA, the crashes happened in “reduced roadway visibility” caused by factors such as “sun glare, fog, or airborne dust” while the vehicles were operating in FSD mode.

The report adds that in one of the crashes, “the Tesla vehicle fatally struck a pedestrian,” while “one additional crash in these conditions involved a reported injury.”

NHTSA said the “review will assess the timing, purpose, and capabilities of any such updates, as well as Tesla’s assessment of their safety impact.”

Tesla’s website states, “The currently enabled Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (Supervised) features require active driver supervision and do not make the vehicle autonomous.”

The investigation covers approximately 2.4 million vehicles, including all 2016-2024 Model S and Model X, 2017-2024 Model 3, 2020-2024 Model Y, and 2023-2024 Cybertrucks equipped with Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology.

Tesla’s increasing focus on self-driving

The increased scrutiny of Tesla’s advanced driver assistance system follows a report from ReadWrite suggesting that CEO Elon Musk aims to shift the company’s focus toward self-driving technology and robotaxis, amid rising competition and weakening demand in its automotive business.

Last week, Musk revealed the “Cybercab” robotaxi concept, a two-seater, two-door vehicle without a steering wheel or pedals. The Cybercab would rely on cameras and artificial intelligence for navigation, but Tesla would need approval from the NHTSA to deploy a vehicle lacking human controls.

In December, Tesla recalled most of the two million vehicles it had sold in the U.S. to urgently address a malfunctioning system intended to keep drivers alert while using Autopilot.

ReadWrite has reached out to Tesla for comment.

Featured image: Tesla

About ReadWrite’s Editorial Process

The ReadWrite Editorial policy involves closely monitoring the tech, gambling and blockchain industries for major developments, new product and brand launches, AI breakthroughs, game releases and other newsworthy events. Editors assign relevant stories to in-house staff writers with expertise in each particular topic area. Before publication, articles go through a rigorous round of editing for accuracy, clarity, and to ensure adherence to ReadWrite's style guidelines.

Suswati Basu
Tech journalist

Suswati Basu is a multilingual, award-winning editor and the founder of the intersectional literature channel, How To Be Books. She was shortlisted for the Guardian Mary Stott Prize and longlisted for the Guardian International Development Journalism Award. With 18 years of experience in the media industry, Suswati has held significant roles such as head of audience and deputy editor for NationalWorld news, digital editor for Channel 4 News and ITV News. She has also contributed to the Guardian and received training at the BBC As an audience, trends, and SEO specialist, she has participated in panel events alongside Google. Her…

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