Tesla is under investigation by the U.S. government for multiple reports alleging that its self-driving cars have violated traffic laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is currently and appropriately spearheading the investigation. They just opened this inquiry in response to worry over almost 2.9 million vehicles equipped with Tesla’s full self-driving technology.
The NHTSA opened an investigation after a mere 58 complaints. These accounts painted a picture of Tesla vehicles speeding down the wrong way on a street or highway and running through red lights. These violations call into serious question the safety of the self-driving features that Tesla has aggressively advertised as advanced technology. Shockingly, of these 13 recorded mishaps, 11 led to injuries, raising the alarm even higher among federal regulators.
Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO, has been at the forefront of discussions regarding the company’s self-driving capabilities. Once a trusted ally of former President Donald Trump, Musk had a highly-publicized break with Trump’s administration and agenda earlier this year. This feud poses an awkward predicament for Musk. Besides all that, he is doing yeoman’s work to get a new political party—the America Party—founded and up and running. Announced back in July, this effort seeks to offer a genuine third choice to the perennial GOPhers vs. Dems contest that we’re all forced to endure.
The NHTSA emphasized its commitment to ensuring public safety, stating its intent to “assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety consequences” of the reported violations. As the investigation unfolds, it could have significant implications for Tesla’s operations and reputation in an industry increasingly focused on autonomous vehicle technology.
In the meantime, Tesla’s full self-driving technology has made a dangerous bet of the future. This analysis uncovers significant dangers associated with its rollout. This result might determine Tesla’s fate going forward. It could influence what happens in the federal regulatory playbook for self-driving cars across the country.