Tesla's Autopilot system is facing intense scrutiny once again after a new investigation by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed alarming safety concerns. The agency has launched an inquiry into 2.88 million Tesla vehicles equipped with the "Full Self-Driving" (FSD) feature, citing instances of reckless behavior that may be breaking traffic laws and causing accidents.
According to reports, some Teslas have been observed blowing through red lights, drifting into oncoming lanes, and even crashing at intersections. A staggering 23 cases have resulted in injuries, while a smaller number involved actual crashes. The NHTSA has accused Tesla's FSD software of inducing vehicle behavior that violates traffic safety laws.
The investigation comes as no surprise to many experts, who have long argued that Autopilot and FSD systems are not yet ready for widespread adoption on public roads. "Self-driving" still means supervised driving, with regulators emphasizing the importance of constant driver oversight to ensure safety.
Tesla has been facing mounting pressure from regulatory bodies and lawmakers over its handling of Autopilot-related incidents. In one high-profile case, a California jury ordered Tesla to pay $329 million after an Autopilot-related crash killed a woman. The company is also currently fighting a false advertising lawsuit from California's DMV, which claims that calling the software "Full Self-Driving" is misleading.
As the investigation into Tesla's FSD system unfolds, drivers of affected vehicles are advised to remain vigilant and exercise caution on the roads. With safety regulators circling and lawsuits piling up, it remains to be seen whether Tesla will be able to regain public trust in its autonomous technology.
For those considering purchasing a Tesla, the latest developments serve as a sobering reminder that even the most advanced technologies still require human oversight for safe operation. As experts continue to push for improved safety standards, one thing is clear: the future of self-driving cars will not arrive without first addressing the safety concerns of today's vehicles.
According to reports, some Teslas have been observed blowing through red lights, drifting into oncoming lanes, and even crashing at intersections. A staggering 23 cases have resulted in injuries, while a smaller number involved actual crashes. The NHTSA has accused Tesla's FSD software of inducing vehicle behavior that violates traffic safety laws.
The investigation comes as no surprise to many experts, who have long argued that Autopilot and FSD systems are not yet ready for widespread adoption on public roads. "Self-driving" still means supervised driving, with regulators emphasizing the importance of constant driver oversight to ensure safety.
Tesla has been facing mounting pressure from regulatory bodies and lawmakers over its handling of Autopilot-related incidents. In one high-profile case, a California jury ordered Tesla to pay $329 million after an Autopilot-related crash killed a woman. The company is also currently fighting a false advertising lawsuit from California's DMV, which claims that calling the software "Full Self-Driving" is misleading.
As the investigation into Tesla's FSD system unfolds, drivers of affected vehicles are advised to remain vigilant and exercise caution on the roads. With safety regulators circling and lawsuits piling up, it remains to be seen whether Tesla will be able to regain public trust in its autonomous technology.
For those considering purchasing a Tesla, the latest developments serve as a sobering reminder that even the most advanced technologies still require human oversight for safe operation. As experts continue to push for improved safety standards, one thing is clear: the future of self-driving cars will not arrive without first addressing the safety concerns of today's vehicles.