Tesla is facing a federal investigation in the United States following reports that its self-driving vehicles have been involved in traffic violations. These alleged breaches include driving on the wrong side of the road and failing to stop at red lights. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reported 58 such incidents, potentially impacting around 2.9 million Tesla vehicles equipped with the “Full Self-Driving (Supervised)” system.
This advanced driver-assistance system, an optional upgrade for Tesla owners, allows for features like lane changes and turns, but crucially requires drivers to remain vigilant and ready to intervene at any moment. The NHTSA’s preliminary evaluation aims to determine the extent, frequency, and potential safety risks associated with these alleged malfunctions.
The investigation highlights specific concerns, including instances where vehicles reportedly stopped at traffic lights and then proceeded through them while still red. The NHTSA noted that four of these occurrences led to injuries. In response to repeated issues at a particular intersection in Maryland, the traffic authority mentioned that Tesla had already taken steps to address the red-light running problem.
Further scrutiny will be given to reports of vehicles veering into opposing lanes during turns. The NHTSA’s report suggests that some of these incidents provided drivers with minimal warning or opportunity to regain control.
This development comes as Tesla, led by Elon Musk, also faces a separate NHTSA investigation concerning the door locking mechanisms on its Model Y vehicles, following reports of children becoming trapped inside. In some alarming cases, owners were forced to break windows to free the children.
In other recent news, Tesla has introduced more affordable versions of two of its popular car models, a move seen as a strategy to compete more effectively with a growing number of budget-friendly electric vehicles, particularly from Chinese manufacturers. Elon Musk, a prominent figure in the tech and business world, recently made headlines by becoming the world’s first half-trillionaire.
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