The NHTSA is investigating Tesla's FSD system and what the potential consequences might be.
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| Tesla's FSD system is under investigation by the NHTSA due to safety concerns in reduced visibility conditions. Learn more about the probe and its potential implications. Image Courtesy: Tesla |
Austin, Texas, USA - October 18, 2024:
Tesla is facing increased scrutiny from federal regulators over the safety of its "Full Self-Driving" (FSD) system, particularly in challenging weather conditions. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into the system's ability to detect and respond appropriately to reduced visibility, such as fog, glare, or other adverse conditions.
The probe follows a fatal collision involving a Tesla driver using FSD and other incidents where the system was engaged during hazardous weather. Concerns have been raised about the system's limitations in handling complex driving scenarios, especially when visibility is impaired.
The NHTSA's investigation will focus on FSD's engineering controls, including its sensors, software, and algorithms, to assess their effectiveness in detecting and responding to reduced visibility. The agency will also examine any similar crashes that have occurred under such conditions and the contributing factors.
In addition to the safety investigation, the NHTSA will also scrutinize Tesla's over-the-air software updates for FSD. The agency will evaluate the timing, purpose, and capabilities of these updates, as well as Tesla's assessment of their safety impact.
The investigation covers approximately 2.4 million Tesla vehicles on U.S. roads equipped with FSD. The NHTSA has tracked 1,399 incidents involving Tesla's driver assistance systems, including 31 fatalities, since October 1, 2024.
Tesla has not yet responded to the NHTSA's investigation. The company has been a pioneer in autonomous driving technology but has faced criticism for its aggressive marketing of FSD and its claims of full self-driving capabilities. While Tesla has made significant strides in autonomous driving, experts have cautioned that the technology is still far from perfect and requires human oversight.
The NHTSA's investigation is likely to intensify scrutiny of Tesla's FSD system and could lead to regulatory actions if safety deficiencies are identified. The outcome of the investigation could have far-reaching implications for the development and deployment of autonomous driving technology.