The US government is launching an investigation into Tesla’s ‘Full Self-Driving’ system following reports of accidents in low-visibility conditions, one of which resulted in the death of a pedestrian. The National Highway Safety Administration disclosed that the probe was initiated after Tesla reported four crashes where the vehicles entered areas with reduced visibility due to factors such as sun glare, fog, and airborne dust.
Apart from the fatality involving the pedestrian, another crash led to an injury, prompting the agency to delve into the system’s capability to detect and appropriately respond to situations involving reduced roadway visibility. The investigation will also aim to determine the circumstances contributing to these accidents. The scope of the probe encompasses approximately 2.4 million Teslas spanning from the 2016 to 2024 model years.
This latest scrutiny on Tesla’s autonomous driving technology highlights concerns about its performance and safety measures under challenging environmental conditions. The incidents in low-visibility scenarios have raised questions about the system’s ability to navigate and react effectively in adverse situations. As investigations progress, stakeholders will keenly observe the outcomes and any potential implications for Tesla and the broader autonomous vehicle industry.