Tesla is currently under a new investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) due to concerns over the safety of its "Full Self-Driving" (FSD) technology in conditions of low visibility, such as fog or bright sunlight.
This inquiry was initiated following an incident where a pedestrian was fatally struck by a Tesla vehicle utilizing the FSD feature, along with other collisions involving the FSD system under similar visibility-compromised conditions.
According to information released on the NHTSA's website, the investigation aims to evaluate the FSD technology's capability to detect and react to situations of reduced visibility. It will also examine if there have been other accidents under similar conditions and the factors contributing to those incidents.
Furthermore, the NHTSA intends to review Tesla's software updates for its FSD technology, now rebranded as "Full Self-Driving (Supervised)." The review will cover the updates' timing, purpose, and functionality, alongside Tesla's evaluation of their safety impact.
The "preliminary evaluation" covers approximately 2.4 million Tesla electric vehicles on U.S. roads, including Model S and X vehicles from 2016 to 2024, Model 3 from 2017 to 2024, Model Y from 2020 to 2024, and Cybertruck models from this and the previous year, all of which offer the FSD option.
The FSD feature, now termed as a "partial driving automation system" by Tesla, is a paid premium driver assistance option. Despite this, Tesla has previously offered a month-long free trial of FSD to all U.S. drivers.
The federal vehicle safety regulator monitors incidents involving advanced driver assistance systems, such as Tesla's Autopilot or FSD. As of October 1, 2024, there have been 1,399 recorded incidents where Tesla's driver assistance technology was active within 30 seconds before a collision, with 31 resulting in fatalities.
Tesla has yet to comment on the investigation.
At a recent marketing event, CEO Elon Musk announced plans for "unsupervised FSD" to be operational in Texas and California next year for the Model 3 and Model Y electric vehicles, despite years of promises for driverless cars that have yet to materialize into a vehicle safe for unsupervised use on public roads.
Following an incident like this, it's crucial to understand your rights and the possible legal implications. If you've been affected by a vehicle accident involving advanced driving assistance systems, consulting with a personal injury attorney can provide clarity on your situation and help determine if you are entitled to compensation for any damages or injuries sustained. Legal experts in this field can offer guidance through the complexities of such cases, ensuring that your rights are protected.
We invite you to contact The Law Offices of Scott Warmuth at 888-517-9888 for a free consultation. Our team is dedicated to providing you with the legal support you need to navigate through your case effectively. With a free phone evaluation, we can help assess your situation and advise on the best course of action.
