Tesla is currently under investigation by the US government due to reports that its self-driving vehicles have violated traffic laws, including instances of driving on the incorrect side of the road and failing to stop at red lights. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that it is aware of 58 separate incidents involving these violations.
Approximately 2.9 million vehicles equipped with Tesla’s Full Self-Driving technology are included in this investigation. This system, which requires an additional fee for users, allows vehicles to perform certain actions like changing lanes and making turns, while still requiring drivers to remain attentive and ready to take control if necessary.
The NHTSA’s preliminary evaluation aims to “assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety consequences” of the Full Self-Driving mode. The agency has cited six crashes related to vehicles that proceeded through intersections while the traffic signal was red, with four of these incidents resulting in injuries. In response to feedback, Tesla has reportedly implemented measures to address the specific issues of vehicles running red lights at a recurring location in Maryland.
Additionally, the NHTSA is examining reports of vehicles encroaching into the opposite lane during turns, with some incidents occurring without sufficient warning for drivers to intervene.
This investigation by the NHTSA comes alongside another inquiry into the locking mechanisms of Tesla’s Model Y, following reports of children becoming trapped inside vehicles, with instances where owners had to break windows to free them. Meanwhile, Tesla has introduced lower-cost versions of two of its most popular models to stay competitive in a market increasingly influenced by more affordable electric vehicles from other manufacturers.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg02rdxxz7o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss