Tesla is once again under scrutiny, as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a new investigation into its “Full Self-Driving” (FSD) systems.
The inquiry is focused on the system’s performance in challenging conditions such as fog and glaring sunlight, which can significantly impair visibility.
This move comes after a tragic incident in which a Tesla utilizing FSD struck and killed a pedestrian, raising concerns about the safety of the technology under less-than-ideal conditions.
The NHTSA’s investigation aims to evaluate FSD’s engineering capabilities, particularly its ability to detect and react to reduced roadway visibility.
Additionally, the agency will look into any other accidents involving FSD during similar conditions, analyzing the factors that contributed to these incidents.
Another aspect of the probe involves Tesla’s over-the-air software updates to its FSD systems, which are now marketed as “Full Self-Driving (Supervised).”
The NHTSA will examine the timing and purpose of these updates and assess how Tesla evaluates their safety impacts.
This preliminary evaluation involves approximately 2.4 million Tesla vehicles currently on U.S. roads, including the Model S, Model X, Model 3, Model Y, and the recently launched Cybertruck.
Tesla’s FSD has been positioned as a premium driver assistance feature, with the company offering it to drivers on a month-long free trial in the U.S.
As of October 1, 2024, the NHTSA reported tracking 1,399 incidents where Tesla’s driver assistance systems were active within 30 seconds of a crash, including 31 fatalities.
While Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, has made bold promises regarding the future of driverless vehicles, the reality remains that the company has yet to demonstrate a vehicle capable of operating safely without human oversight.
This ongoing investigation could have significant implications for the future of Tesla’s autonomous driving technology.