San Francisco, California – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has revealed alarming findings regarding Tesla’s Autopilot feature, sparking concerns about the safety of the electric car maker’s flagship technology. In a recent investigation, the NHTSA identified at least 13 fatal crashes involving Tesla vehicles that were linked to the Autopilot feature, contradicting the company’s claims about the system’s capabilities.
According to the NHTSA, the investigation, initiated in August 2021, uncovered instances where driver misuse of the Autopilot system played a significant role in accidents. The agency also expressed worries about Tesla’s driver engagement system not being suitable for the permissive operating capabilities of Autopilot, leading to a critical safety gap.
Furthermore, the NHTSA raised concerns about Tesla’s marketing of the Autopilot feature, suggesting that the system’s name might mislead drivers into trusting the automation more than its actual capabilities. The agency highlighted the need for clearer communication regarding the limitations of the technology to prevent overreliance on the system.
In response to the investigation’s findings, Tesla issued its largest-ever recall in December, affecting over 2 million vehicles in the US to enhance driver attention while using the advanced driver-assistance system. However, despite these efforts, the NHTSA opened a second investigation to evaluate the adequacy of the recall measures implemented by Tesla to enhance Autopilot safeguards.
The NHTSA’s ongoing scrutiny of Tesla’s Autopilot feature comes in the wake of continued concerns about the system’s safety and effectiveness. Consumer Reports, for instance, criticized Tesla’s recall update for not adequately addressing the safety issues identified by the NHTSA, urging for more rigorous measures to ensure driver safety.
As the investigations into Tesla’s Autopilot system continue, stakeholders in the automotive industry are closely monitoring the developments. The outcome of the NHTSA’s inquiries could have far-reaching implications for the future of autonomous driving technology and the regulation of driver-assistance systems in vehicles.