đ Share this article US Regulators Launch Probe into Autonomous Tesla Vehicles Following String of Collisions US automobile safety regulators have commenced an investigation into Tesla cars featuring the autonomous driving system due to traffic-safety violations after numerous accidents. Safety Agency Identifies Safety Regulation Breaches The NHTSA stated that the electric carmaker's autonomous driving feature, which demands motorists to remain attentive and intervene if needed, had caused vehicle behaviour that violated road safety regulationsâ. This initial assessment by the NHTSA marks the initial phase before possibly requesting a withdrawal of the cars if the authority concludes they present a danger to public safety. Concerning Incident Reports The regulatory body stated it had documented accounts of nearly 3 million Tesla vehicles running red traffic lights and moving against the incorrect direction during lane switching while using the system. NHTSA confirmed it has six reports in which a Tesla vehicle, using full self-driving engaged, âapproached an junction with a red traffic signal, continued to travel into the crossroads against the red light and was subsequently involved in a crash with other cars in the junctionâ. The authority reported that four crashes had resulted in injuries to occupants. Further Issues Identified The NHTSA announced it has identified 18 complaints and one news account claiming that Tesla cars, operating at an intersection with FSD active, âfailed to remain stationary for the entire time of a red traffic signal, did not come to complete stop, or failed to accurately detect and show the correct traffic signal state in the car's displayâ. Some complainants also stated that FSD âdid not provide warnings of the system's intended actions as the vehicle was coming to a red traffic signalâ. Continuing Regulatory Scrutiny Tesla's FSD, which is more sophisticated than its Autopilot system, has been being examined by NHTSA for a year. In late 2024, the agency began an inquiry into 2.4 million Tesla vehicles using FSD after four documented crashes in conditions of poor visibility, such as sun glare, mist or dust clouds. One such accident, in last year, was fatal. Company's Stated Position The company's official position indicates that FSD is âdesigned for use with a completely alert driver, who has their hands on the wheel and is ready to take over at any moment. While these capabilities are engineered to improve over time, the presently active functions do not make the car autonomous.â Self-driving vehicle technology continue to face growing examination from regulatory bodies as the systems develop and practical implementation reveals potential challenges with current implementations.