The agency will probe the “Full Self-Driving” system in the wake of crashes that include a pedestrian death.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened a probe into Tesla’s “Full Self-Driving” system after reports of multiple crashes involving the system, including one that killed a pedestrian.
According to an article by Michel Euler for the Associated Press, the agency will investigate the system’s ability to “detect and respond appropriately to reduced roadway visibility conditions, and if so, the contributing circumstances for these crashes” in roughly 2.4 million Tesla cars from between 2016 and 2024.
The company insists drivers are meant to stay alert while using the system, but are promising to release fully automated robotaxis in 2026. The investigation could prevent the NHTSA from approving new driverless vehicles without steering wheels or pedals. For now, deploying autonomous features in its existing models would fall under the jurisdiction of state agencies, and no federal rules aimed specifically at autonomous vehicles exist.
Tesla was forced to recall hundreds of thousands of vehicles with “Full Self-Driving” systems earlier this year to correct issues including running stop signs at low speeds.
FULL STORY: U.S. to probe Tesla's 'Full Self-Driving' system after pedestrian killed
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