Tesla Under Investigation: US Safety Regulators Address Concerns Over Erratic Robotaxi Performance

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Tesla Under Investigation: US Safety Regulators Address Concerns Over Erratic Robotaxi Performance

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reached out to Tesla regarding videos on social media that show its new driverless cars breaking traffic laws. These robotaxis, which are crucial to Tesla’s future plans according to Elon Musk, made their public road debut in Austin, Texas, recently.

While Musk celebrated what he called the “culmination of a decade of hard work,” the launch felt understated. Only a small group of invited analysts, influencers, and shareholders got to take rides in these vehicles, which had a safety driver present.

However, videos online suggest trouble. One clip shows a robotaxi stopping suddenly near a parked police car. Other footage reportedly displays cars speeding and veering into oncoming traffic. The NHTSA stated that they are aware of these incidents and are collecting more information from Tesla.

Currently, the rollout is limited to 12 taxis. Tesla has stated these vehicles won’t operate in bad weather or tackle complex intersections, and they won’t carry passengers under 18.

Analysts note this limited launch highlights Tesla’s challenges in catching up with competitors. Companies like Waymo and Amazon’s Zoox already provide self-driving taxi services in cities such as Austin, San Francisco, and Phoenix. These rivals have logged millions of miles on public roads in various countries, including China and the UAE.

Tesla’s technology stands apart—unlike its competitors, it relies solely on in-car cameras without using radar or sensors. The hope is that this method will be cheaper and more appealing to consumers. However, concerns about safety linger, especially given that the NHTSA does not pre-approve new technologies. Instead, manufacturers must ensure their vehicles meet strict safety standards and the agency investigates any incidents of potential flaws.

A recent survey from Consumer Reports found that 76% of people are cautious about fully autonomous vehicles and the technology behind them. This hesitation shows that while innovation is exciting, public trust is essential for widespread acceptance.

Tesla has taken a bold step with its robotaxis, but it must address safety concerns and improve its technology to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving landscape of self-driving cars. For more information on self-driving regulations, check out the NHTSA’s official resources here.



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