Tesla faces investigation over full self-driving technology after alarming incidents

In the United States, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated an investigation into Tesla's full self-driving (FSD) technology due to numerous incidents involving Tesla vehicles running red lights and driving on the wrong side of the road. This inquiry covers over 2.8 million vehicles with FSD, highlighting significant concerns raised by drivers who reported that their cars exhibited unexpected behaviors without warnings. As of now, the NHTSA has received 58 incident reports documenting traffic safety violations. Many affected drivers expressed frustration at the lack of alerts during these dangerous occurrences. The investigation unfolds amid a backdrop of ongoing scrutiny surrounding Tesla’s autonomous driving capabilities. This is not the first time the FSD feature has faced regulatory challenges; previous probes have correlated this technology with serious injuries and fatalities. Despite the controversies, Tesla has continually stated that its vehicles, especially those with FSD, cannot operate entirely without human oversight. The auto manufacturer insists that drivers must always remain prepared to take control of the vehicle. Additional investigations into other aspects of Tesla's vehicle technology have also emerged. For instance, the NHTSA is evaluating Tesla's “summon” feature, which allows cars to autonomously travel to a designated location. Reports suggest that this feature has led to minor accidents in parking lots. Furthermore, last year's probe into driver-assistance functions specifically targeted crashes in low-visibility conditions, including a tragic incident where a pedestrian was killed. The scrutiny of these technologies has raised questions about the efficacy and safety of Tesla’s systems. In recent months, Tesla's CEO, Elon Musk, has faced increasing pressure to validate the functionality and safety of these driver-assistance features. Musk has promised advancements in FSD technology, hinting at a future where fully autonomous Tesla vehicles could be deployed widely, potentially replacing the need for driver intervention altogether. However, despite ambitious forecasts, the company has yet to deliver consistent, reliable performance to alleviate safety concerns. Recent events have led to a fluctuation in Tesla’s stock prices, reflecting investor anxieties regarding the implications of these regulatory actions and technology reliability. As such, Tesla is tasked with demonstrating the practical value and safety of its autonomous offerings against ongoing regulatory challenges and public scrutiny.