Tesla’s ‘Full Self-Driving’ Under Scrutiny After Fatal Crashes

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a new investigation into Tesla’s “Full Self-Driving (Supervised)” software following reports of crashes in low-visibility conditions, including one that resulted in a pedestrian fatality.

Safety Concerns in Low-Visibility Conditions

NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is probing whether Tesla’s driver assistance system can “detect and respond appropriately to reduced roadway visibility conditions” like sun glare, fog, or airborne dust. They’re also looking into whether there have been other crashes in similar conditions beyond the four reported incidents.

This investigation comes hot on the heels of Tesla CEO Elon Musk unveiling the company’s “CyberCab” prototype, a two-seater vehicle intended to function as a robotaxi. At the same event, Musk made bold claims about Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y operating without supervision in California and Texas by 2025, though details on implementation were scarce.

Ongoing Regulatory Scrutiny

This isn’t Tesla’s first rodeo with NHTSA. The agency recently wrapped up a three-year probe into Tesla’s Autopilot system, which examined nearly 500 crashes where the system was active, including 13 fatal incidents. Simultaneously, NHTSA opened a new investigation into Tesla’s recall fix for Autopilot-related issues.

Tesla’s driver assistance tech is facing legal challenges on multiple fronts. The Department of Justice is investigating Tesla’s claims about its driver-assistance features, while the California Department of Motor Vehicles has accused the company of exaggerating the software’s capabilities.

EVXL’s Take

This ongoing investigation into Tesla’s Full Self-Driving technology underscores the complex challenges facing the EV industry as it pushes towards autonomous driving. It’s a reminder that even as we make strides in EV tech, safety must remain paramount. As we’ve seen in our coverage of other Tesla developments, the company continues to be at the forefront of innovation, but also under intense scrutiny. This balance between pushing boundaries and ensuring public safety will likely shape the future of autonomous EVs across the industry.

What’s your take on this investigation? Share your thoughts in the comments below.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​