Tesla under NHTSA scrutiny after fatal crash
An investigation is already underway on 2.4 million Tesla vehicles operating on Full Self-Driving (FSD) software. The investigation is motivated by four reported cases of crashes that occurred due to attenuated roadway visibility. One of the crashes which involved a 2021 Tesla Model Y took the life of a pedestrian in November 2023. What’s more, a Tesla Model S was involved in an accident last April. It is also said that victims of other accidents were injured.
As reported by Reuters, Tesla’s Model S, Model 3, Model X, Model Y and Cybertruck vehicles manufactured between 2016 and 2024 and equipped with FSD software will be critically assessed and reviewed for ability to “detect and respond appropriately to reduced roadway visibility conditions”. NHTSA further explains that the “review will assess the timing, purpose, and capabilities of any such updates, as well as Tesla’s assessment of their safety impact.”
Though Tesla’s FSD technology is developed to be optimized for advanced automation, where users enjoy comfortable rides with less human intervention, the company states that “FSD software in on-road vehicles requires active driver supervision and does not make vehicles autonomous.”
The Scrutiny of Tesla’s advanced driver assistance system by the safety agency is coming after Elon Musk recently introduced a two-door “Cybercab” robotaxi that operates without a steering wheel and pedals. Rather, the vehicles will be equipped with cameras, albeit susceptible to low visibility in bad weather conditions.
Weighing in on the issue, the Vice President at GlobalData said that the inability to operate safely in unfavourable weather conditions “could be one of the major roadblocks in what I would call a near-term launch of this technology and these products.”
Author: Abdulwaliy Oyekunle
0 Comments