Tesla Robotaxi Safety Review: Federal Regulators Respond

Tesla Robotaxi Launch Under Scrutiny by Federal Regulators

Federal safety authorities have initiated contact with Tesla following the commencement of its robotaxi service in Austin. This outreach occurred just one day after the automaker began offering rides in its branded autonomous vehicles.

Traffic Law Concerns and NHTSA Response

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reached out to Tesla after a proliferation of online videos surfaced. These videos purportedly demonstrate Tesla robotaxis contravening traffic regulations within South Austin, where the company is currently providing rides to a select group of invited customers.

Bloomberg initially reported the NHTSA’s contact with Tesla. The agency subsequently confirmed this action to TechCrunch, stating, “NHTSA is aware of the referenced incidents and is in contact with the manufacturer to gather additional information.”

The NHTSA further emphasized its commitment to vehicle safety, declaring, “NHTSA will continue to enforce the law on all manufacturers of motor vehicles and equipment, in accordance with the Vehicle Safety Act and our data-driven, risk-based investigative process.”

It’s important to note that U.S. law does not require pre-approval of new vehicle technologies. Instead, manufacturers are responsible for certifying that their vehicles adhere to NHTSA’s stringent safety benchmarks. The agency then investigates any reported potential safety defects.

First Real-World Test of Tesla’s Autonomous Technology

Tesla initiated paid rides for invited customers in South Austin on Sunday. This limited launch represents the initial practical evaluation of the automaker’s autonomous driving capabilities.

Currently, Tesla offers its Full Self-Driving (FSD) Supervised software to vehicle owners. When activated, FSD manages steering and braking functions. However, it is classified as an advanced driver-assistance system, necessitating the driver’s continued attention and hands-on control of the steering wheel.

Unsupervised FSD and Safety Monitors

Tesla robotaxis are equipped with an unsupervised iteration of FSD, though the company has not yet disclosed detailed specifications regarding this software version.

These robotaxis, accessible through a dedicated application, are designed to operate autonomously. A human “safety monitor” is present in the front passenger seat during each ride.

Reported Incidents and Braking Anomalies

Online videos have emerged depicting Tesla robotaxis exceeding posted speed limits and, in one instance, unexpectedly drifting into an incorrect lane.

Ed Niedermeyer, author of “Ludicrous: The Unvarnished Story of Tesla Motors,” who is observing the robotaxi deployment in Austin, documented a Tesla robotaxi abruptly applying its brakes on two separate occasions without apparent cause.

A video, reviewed by TechCrunch and subsequently published on YouTube, reveals that these braking events occurred as the Tesla approached police vehicles stationed in parking lot driveways alongside the roadway.