NHTSA Investigation into Tesla’s Autopilot System

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has concluded one of its most significant investigations into Tesla’s Autopilot driver assistance system. This investigation connected the technology to 13 fatal crashes, prompting the automaker to revise its driver recognition programming late last year. This article delves into the findings from extensive research and crash reports that have raised concerns about the safety of the Autopilot system.

Investigation Background

This investigation commenced in the summer of 2021, following multiple incidents involving Tesla vehicles colliding with parked emergency vehicles, among other instances highlighting problems in Autopilot’s design and misuse. Nearly three years later, NHTSA concluded that the original Autopilot’s design contributed to “foreseeable misuse and avoidable crashes,” linking the technology to these fatal incidents, as reported by TechCrunch.

Data Reviewed by NHTSA

NHTSA reviewed a total of 953 reported crashes up until August 30, 2023. The findings showed:

• 489 crashes lacked sufficient data to relate to the investigation.
• 211 crashes occurred where the driver had “adequate time to respond to avoid or mitigate” the incident.
• 145 crashes were associated with “roadway departures in low traction conditions.”
• 111 crashes involved Autosteer being disengaged due to driver inputs.

Recent Updates from Tesla

Following a recall issued in December 2023, Tesla has implemented a steering torque sensor and an in-cabin camera designed to monitor driver attention and inputs. The company asserts: “Autopilot, Enhanced Autopilot, and Full Self-Driving Capability are intended for use with a fully attentive driver, who has their hands on the wheel and is prepared to take over at any moment.” Nonetheless, the NHTSA has announced that it will assess whether these updates are sufficient to ensure the safe operation of Tesla’s driver assistance system.

Further Assessments by NHTSA

According to the Washington Post, after testing at an Ohio facility, NHTSA expressed concerns that Tesla’s new safeguards “could be easily reversed” by users opting into the system. Tesla’s recent updates were questioned regarding their efficacy in maintaining driver awareness and safety.

In a separate test of the “recalled” system on a Model Y, it was observed that a test driver did not receive warnings to maintain control for an extensive period of 7 minutes. Moreover, the driver monitoring camera was only active when Autosteer was engaged, and not when using standard Autopilot, further complicating safety assessments.

Conclusion

In January, it was concluded that the updates seem primarily focused on preventing further governmental scrutiny rather than genuinely enhancing driver safety. It appears that NHTSA’s investigation aligns with this view, and further inquiries regarding the adequacy of the recall may prompt additional actions to rectify issues identified in Tesla’s driver assistance systems.