Tesla's autopilot system is under investigation: US regulator finds 11 accidents - and one death - since 2018 where cars hit first responder vehicles at crash scenes
The US government is opening a formal investigation into Tesla's Autopilot partially automated driving system, saying it has trouble spotting parked emergency vehicles, having resulted in 11 accidents since 2018.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said the investigation covers 765,000 vehicles, nearly everything Tesla has sold domestically since 2014. Of the 11 crashes that have been identified over the past three years, 17 people were injured and one was killed.
The 11 crashes have occurred when Teslas on Autopilot or Traffic Aware Cruise Control hit vehicles at scenes where first responders have used flashing lights, flares, an illuminated arrow board or cones warning of hazards.
The NHTSA is formal investigating Tesla's Autopilot, saying it has trouble spotting parked emergency vehicles, resulting in 11 accidents since 2018. The investigation covers 765,000 vehicles, nearly everything Tesla has sold domestically since 2014. In the 11 crashes identified, 17 people were injured and one was killed
The NHTSA said the investigation covers the entire product lineup of the Elon Musk-led company, the Models Y, X, S and 3 from the 2014 through 2021 model years.
The assisted driving system has frequently been misused by Tesla drivers, some of whom have been caught driving drunk or riding in the rear passenger seat while driving down a California highway.
In May 2018, Tesla sedan in Autopilot mode crashed into a parked police cruiser in Laguna Beach. Laguna Beach Police Sgt. Jim Cota said the officer was not in the cruiser and the Tesla driver suffered minor injuries
Since June 2016, the NHTSA has investigated 31 crashes related to partially automated driver assist systems. These systems are designed to keep a vehicle centered in its lane and a safe distance from vehicles in front of it. Of the 31 crashes, 25 involved Tesla Autopilot, resulting in 10 deaths, according to data released by the NHTSA.
In April, Musk tweeted Teslas with Autopilot engaged were 'approaching 10 times lower chance of accident than average vehicle.'
Tesla and other manufacturers warn that drivers using the systems must be ready to intervene at all times. Teslas using the system have crashed into semis crossing in front of them, stopped emergency vehicles and a roadway barrier.
Musk has not yet responded to an inquiry from DailyMail.com.
Tesla has disbanded its traditional media relations office.
The crashes into emergency vehicles cited by NHTSA began on Jan. 22, 2018 in Culver City, California, near Los Angeles when a Tesla using Autopilot struck a parked firetruck that was parked partially in the travel lanes with its lights flashing. Crews were handling another crash at the time.
Since then, the agency said there were crashes in Laguna Beach, California; Norwalk, Connecticut; Cloverdale, Indiana; West Bridgewater, Massachusetts; Cochise County, Arizona; Charlotte, North Carolina, Montgomery County, Texas; Lansing, Michigan; and Miami, Florida.
'The investigation will assess the technologies and methods used to monitor, assist and enforce the driver's engagement with the dynamic driving task during Autopilot operation,' NHTSA said in its investigation documents.
A 2018 Tesla Model 3 on Interstate 95 in Norwalk, Connecticut using the Autopilot driver assistance system rear-ended a parked police car
A 2019 Tesla on Interstate 70 in Cloverdale, Indiana hit the back of a parked firetruck
A Tesla on autopilot crashed into a Michigan State Police car in March 2021. Troopers from the Lansing Post had been investigating a crash involving a car and a deer on I-96 near Waverly Rd in Eaton County
A Tesla driving in Arlington, Washington hit a police vehicle that resulted in 'significant damage' to the police car. There were no injuries reported from the incident
In addition, the probe will cover object and event detection by the system, as well as where it is allowed to operate. NHTSA says it will examine 'contributing circumstances' to the crashes, as well as similar crashes.
An investigation could lead to a recall or other enforcement action by NHTSA.
The National Transportation Safety Board, which also has investigated some of the Tesla crashes, has recommended that NHTSA and Tesla limit Autopilot´s use to areas where it can safely operate. The NTSB also recommended that NHTSA require Tesla to have a better system to make sure drivers are paying attention. NHTSA has not taken action on any of the recommendations.
In June, the NHTSA said it was looking into 30 Tesla crashes that resulted in 10 deaths linked to its assisted driver system, including a fiery April 17 crash that killed two men in Texas.
Separately that month, the US agency ordered all automakers to report any crashes involving fully autonomous vehicles or partially automated driver assist systems.
The measures show the agency has started to take a tougher stance on automated vehicle safety than in the past. It has been reluctant to issue any regulations of the new technology for fear of hampering adoption of the potentially life-saving systems.
Shares of Tesla fell 2 percent to $704 in early Monday trading.
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