Latest News

US Safety Agency contacts Tesla about robotaxi issues seen on online videos

After reviewing videos online of a robotaxi that was allegedly driving in the wrong lane, and another driverless car speeding up, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has requested information from Tesla.

The U.S. Auto Safety Agency said that it "is aware of the incidents referenced and is in contact the manufacturer to obtain additional information."

NHTSA regularly asks automakers to provide additional information when they receive reports about questionable driving behaviors by automated driving systems or advanced driver assistance systems.

Tesla launched a limited robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, on Sunday. The company deployed about a dozen self-driving vehicles. The company will avoid bad weather and difficult intersections. It won't accept anyone under the age of 18

NHTSA stated that the law "doesn't pre-approve" new technologies or vehicles systems. Instead, manufacturers certify each vehicle meets NHTSA safety standards and the agency investigates incidents that may involve safety defects.

Bloomberg News reported NHTSA query to Tesla on Monday.

The EV manufacturer did not respond immediately to a comment request.

Tesla said Monday that its answers to NHTSA's questions about the safety of its robotaxi deployments in Texas were confidential business information, and therefore should not be made publicly available.

NHTSA is reviewing responses to questions from the agency about safety of the self-driving roboticaxi in bad weather, among other issues.

Since October, the agency has investigated collisions between Tesla vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Software and conditions of low visibility. The investigation covers 2.4 millions Tesla vehicles with FSD after four reported accidents, including one fatal accident in 2023. Reporting by David Shepardson, Washington; Harshita Varghese, Bengaluru. Editing by Maju Sam and Sonali Paul.

(source: Reuters)