US Agency Raises Concerns About Tesla Full Self-Driving Social Media Posts
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has raised concerns about Tesla's social media posts suggesting its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software can operate as a robotaxi without driver supervision, following an investigation into several crashes.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has expressed significant concerns regarding Tesla's social media communications about its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software. The agency's apprehensions stem from posts that imply the software can function as a robotaxi, negating the need for driver supervision. This issue has gained prominence following an investigation initiated by NHTSA in October into 2.4 million Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD software. The probe was launched after four reported collisions, including a fatal crash in 2023, under conditions such as sun glare and fog.
In a May 14 email, which was made public recently, NHTSA criticized Tesla's social media posts for potentially misleading the public into viewing the FSD as a fully autonomous system rather than a driver assist system that requires constant attention and occasional intervention. The agency has asked Tesla to "revisit its communications" to ensure clarity about the system's capabilities and limitations.
Tesla, which met with NHTSA in May regarding these posts, maintains that its owner's manual and other communications clearly state that the vehicle is not autonomous and that drivers must remain vigilant. However, the NHTSA's investigation will also consider whether the feedback or information provided by the system is adequate for drivers to make real-time decisions when the system's capabilities are exceeded.
The investigation follows a series of incidents, including a tragic accident in Rimrock, Arizona, where a 71-year-old woman was killed after being struck by a Tesla in FSD mode. This incident occurred despite the driver battling sun glare and not being charged. In December 2023, Tesla agreed to recall over 2 million vehicles in the U.S. to install new safeguards in its Autopilot system under NHTSA's pressure, which is still evaluating the effectiveness of these measures.
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and owner of X (formerly Twitter), has not commented on the recent developments. The NHTSA has set a deadline of December 18 for Tesla to respond to questions regarding the FSD system's performance, particularly in situations with reduced visibility that may challenge the software's safe operation.
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