US regulators are investigating Tesla's self-driving technology after a series of crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a preliminary evaluation of Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, which has been linked to traffic-safety violations. The investigation follows reports of Tesla vehicles running red lights and driving against the proper direction of travel during lane changes while using the FSD system. The NHTSA has received multiple reports of Tesla vehicles approaching intersections with red lights, continuing to travel into the intersection against the red light, and subsequently crashing with other vehicles. Some complainants also reported that the FSD system did not provide warnings of its intended behavior as the vehicle approached a red traffic signal. Tesla's FSD, which is more advanced than its Autopilot system, has been under investigation by the NHTSA for a year. The agency has identified 18 complaints and one media report alleging that Tesla vehicles using FSD failed to remain stopped for the duration of a red traffic signal, failed to stop fully, or failed to accurately detect and display the correct traffic signal state in the vehicle interface. The investigation is the first step before potentially seeking a recall of the vehicles if they pose a risk to safety. Tesla has not immediately responded to a Reuters request for comment.
