(5MinNewsBreak.com) – The ongoing debate about Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software has reached a turning point as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launches a probe into the company.
However, the timing is suspect as it comes weeks after Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced his support for GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump.
The agency’s investigation revolves around four crashes, questioning Tesla’s autonomous capabilities in low-visibility conditions.
In total, the installation of the Full Self-Driving software in 2.4 million vehicles has resulted in multiple crashes, including the tragic death of a pedestrian.
The limitation of visual cues such as sun glare, fog, and airborne dust has raised flags about the efficacy of Tesla’s camera-based systems.
This investigation encompasses Tesla models from 2016 through 2024, such as the Model S, X, 3, Y and even the recent Cybertruck.
The NHTSA’s current evaluation not only risks recalling these models in the future but also questions the reliability of such technology in terms of public safety.
While FSD promises a glimpse into the future of driving, Tesla clearly states on its website that the software requires active driver supervision.
The NHTSA’s investigation seeks to understand FSD’s ability to manage reduced visibility and whether previous safety concerns have been adequately addressed.
Despite the probe, Musk intends to make unsupervised driving possible. Tesla recently announced autonomous robotaxi concepts and plans to expand into states like Texas and California next year.
However, these ventures will only be possible if the company convinces regulators of the software’s reliability in real-world scenarios.
With increasing competition and diminishing demand for autonomous vehicles, Tesla’s promise to deliver safe driverless technology remains a pending goal.
The NHTSA’s probe will involve a rigorous assessment of the engineering controls for reduced visibility conditions, potential software updates, and an analysis of past crashes that may predict future problems.
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