NHTSA Launches Investigation into Tesla’s Full Self-Driving System
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated a preliminary evaluation of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) mode, following reports of crashes occurring in reduced visibility conditions. The investigation was prompted by several incidents, including a fatal accident in Rimrock, Arizona, where a Tesla Model Y struck and killed a pedestrian.
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has identified four Standing General Order (SGO) reports detailing crashes that occurred while FSD was engaged. These incidents took place in challenging visibility conditions such as sun glare, fog, or airborne dust. Among the reported cases, one resulted in a fatality and another in an injury.
The investigation encompasses a wide range of Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD capability, including 2016-2024 Model S and Model X, 2017-2024 Model 3, 2020-2024 Model Y, and 2023-2024 Cybertruck models.
NHTSA’s preliminary evaluation aims to assess FSD’s ability to detect and respond to reduced visibility conditions effectively. Investigators will examine other similar FSD-related crashes and their contributing factors, as well as review any updates or modifications Tesla has made to the system that may affect its performance in challenging visibility scenarios. The evaluation will also scrutinize the timing, purpose, and capabilities of these updates, along with Tesla’s safety assessments.
This investigation comes at a time when Tesla has recently unveiled its driverless Cybercab robotaxi vehicle. CEO Elon Musk has been a vocal advocate for camera-based self-driving systems, contrasting with other companies in the autonomous vehicle industry. Competitors like Waymo utilize a combination of lidar, cameras, and radar in their self-driving technology. Similarly, many other automakers incorporate lidar and radar in their driver assistance features.
As the investigation unfolds, it will likely shed light on the effectiveness and safety of Tesla’s FSD system in various driving conditions, potentially influencing future developments in autonomous vehicle technology across the industry.
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