Following a series of similar crashes with parked emergency vehicles, the US government launched a formal investigation into Tesla’s semi-automatic driving system, Autopilot.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched an inquiry into Tesla’s Autopilot system earlier this month, with 765,000 vehicles being covered.
From 2014 to the present, every Tesla Model S, Model X, Model 3, and Model Y has been sold. Since 2018, the government agency has been focused on 11 specific collisions in which a Tesla vehicle operating on Autopilot collided with another vehicle parked near emergency first responder vehicles equipped with flashing lights, flares, and hazard cones.
One Model 3 even crashed into a parked police car. And now it’s happened again. The Associated Press reports that an unspecified Tesla vehicle slammed into a Florida Highway Patrol car this past Saturday near downtown Orlando.
Thankfully, the cop, who had pulled over to assist another car, was unharmed, but he had just narrowly avoided harm.
When the Tesla slammed into the cruiser’s left side, the trooper activated his cruiser’s emergency lights before walking over to the second vehicle. It was then involved in a collision with another car.
Minor injuries were sustained by Tesla’s 27-year-old driver and the driver of the crippled vehicle.
Tesla, predictably, has not replied to requests for comment.
This recent occurrence will undoubtedly be taken seriously by the feds. A total of 17 individuals have been hurt so far, with one fatality.
It’s possible that the NHTSA’s probe will result in a recall. Tesla had previously stated that it will cooperate fully with investigators.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) conducted its own study into Tesla crashes and has implemented its recommendations so far. It wants the NHTSA to compel Tesla to use Autopilot only in regions where it can be used safely.
The company should also improve the technology to ensure that while engaged, drivers are fully focused on the road.
The term “Autopilot” has also been called into question.
The Federal Trade Commission has been requested by two US Senators to look into the carmaker’s public marketing. Autopilot is a Level 2 on a five-level system, not full self-driving. At level 5, you have complete autonomy.
