NHTSA Launches Investigation Into Tesla’s Full Self-Driving Risks Amid Crashes

In a critical move for road safety, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated a preliminary evaluation into Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) mode, prompted by concerns over crashes occurring under reduced roadway visibility conditions. The investigation stems from four disturbing reports, including a tragic incident in November 2023 where a Tesla Model Y struck and killed a pedestrian in Rimrock, Arizona, as highlighted by TechCrunch.

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has pinpointed these incidents, collectively involving vehicles equipped with FSD, after entering areas with compromised visibility due to factors such as sun glare, fog, or airborne dust. One particularly alarming crash resulted in a fatality, while another led to serious injury. The NHTSA’s investigation is especially focusing on various Tesla models, including the 2016-2024 Model S and Model X, 2017-2024 Model 3, 2020-2024 Model Y, and the 2023-2024 Cybertruck.

The NHTSA’s review will evaluate multiple aspects of the FSD system: the engineering controls’ effectiveness in detecting and appropriately responding to visibility limitations, any other similar FSD-related crashes occurring under identical conditions, and the nature of updates or modifications Tesla may have implemented regarding FSD’s performance in low visibility scenarios.

With the backdrop of these investigations, the agency will delve into the timing, purpose, and capabilities of any enhancements made to the FSD system, putting Tesla’s proactive assessment of safety impacts under scrutiny. This close examination follows Tesla’s announcement of a new driverless Cybercab robotaxi vehicle, amplifying the stakes involved in the ongoing discourse around autonomous driving technology.

In the wider realm of autonomous vehicle technology, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has been vocal about his preference for a camera-based computer vision approach for self-driving systems, claiming sensor-based alternatives are heading towards failure. This assertion stands in striking contrast to the strategies adopted by competing robotaxi companies like Waymo, which relies on a combination of sensors, including lidar and radar, alongside cameras in their self-driving vehicles. Other automakers are also incorporating lidar and radar into their driver assistance systems, fueling a debate about the best technologies for achieving safe and reliable autonomous driving.

As Tesla continues to push the boundaries of technology with its FSD features, the implications of this NHTSA investigation could shape the future of autonomous vehicles and raise critical questions about safety standards and regulatory frameworks. The outcome could have far-reaching effects not only for Tesla but for the entire industry, reinforcing the importance of thorough evaluations and responsible deployment of autonomous driving systems.