Tesla Under Investigation by NHTSA for Full Self-Driving Crashes in Low-Visibility Conditions

Tesla is under investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) due to reports of four crashes, including one fatal incident, that involved its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software in low-visibility conditions.

NHTSA's Preliminary Evaluation

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has identified four Standing General Order (SGO) reports where a Tesla vehicle crashed after entering an area with reduced roadway visibility conditions while using FSD. The reduced visibility was due to factors such as sun glare, fog, or airborne dust. In one of these crashes, a pedestrian was fatally hit by a Tesla vehicle. Another crash resulted in a reported injury. This preliminary evaluation is a recent setback for Tesla's FSD efforts, with over 2.4 million Tesla Model S, 3, X, Y, and Cybertrucks on US highways and roads.

Focus of the Investigation

The investigation is focused on the capability of FSD's engineering controls to detect and respond appropriately to reduced roadway visibility conditions. It will also look into whether similar FSD crashes have occurred under the same conditions and the contributing circumstances for those crashes. Additionally, the investigation will examine any updates or modifications from Tesla to the FSD system that may affect its performance in reduced visibility conditions. This includes assessing the timing, purpose, and capabilities of any updates, as well as Tesla's evaluation of their safety impact.

Industry Reactions and Tesla's Response

Jeff Schuster, vice president at GlobalData, told Reuters that weather conditions can affect the camera's ability to see, and the regulatory environment will certainly weigh in on this. He added that this could be a major roadblock in the near-term launch of this technology and these products. Tesla's website states that visibility is critical for Full Self-Driving (Supervised) to operate. Low visibility, such as low light or poor weather conditions, can significantly degrade performance. It also emphasized that Full Self-Driving (Supervised) is a hands-on feature and drivers should always be prepared to take immediate action. Failure to follow all warnings and instructions can result in property damage, serious injury or death.

Tesla's Previous Encounters with NHTSA

Tesla has faced multiple NHTSA probes involving FSD this year. It is likely that Tesla will issue an over-the-air update to satisfy government investigators. Additionally, Tesla recently won a lawsuit alleging its top executives overstated investors about FSD claims.

Bottom Line

This investigation by NHTSA is a significant development in the ongoing debate about the safety and efficacy of Tesla's Full Self-Driving technology. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for the future of autonomous vehicles, particularly in challenging weather conditions. What are your thoughts on this issue? Feel free to share this article with your friends. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, delivered every day at 6pm.