US agency to probe Tesla’s ‘full self-driving’ system after pedestrian’s death

The US government says it will commence an investigation into Tesla’s “full self-driving” system after reports of four crashes in low-visibility conditions and the death of a pedestrian.

The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), according to international media, announced the move on Thursday after the company reported multiple Tesla vehicles entering areas of low visibility, including sun glare, fog, and airborne dust.

The agency said in addition to the pedestrian’s death, another crash caused an injury.

Investigators will probe the ability of “full self-driving” to “detect and respond appropriately to reduced roadway visibility conditions, and if so, the contributing circumstances for these crashes”, the agency said.

The NHTSA said the investigation covers about 2.4 million Tesla vehicles from the 2016 to 2024 model years.

The agency also said it would look into whether any other similar crashes involving “full self-driving” have occurred in low visibility conditions.

The NHTSA said it would seek information from the company on whether any updates impacted the system’s performance in those conditions.

“In particular, his review will assess the timing, purpose and capabilities of any such updates, as well as Telsa’s assessment of their safety impact,” the agency said.

Tesla has twice recalled “full self-driving” after a probe from the agency, which sought information from law enforcement and the company in July, after a motorcyclist was struck and killed near Seattle by a Tesla using the system.

Associated Press had reported that the recalls were issued because the system was programmed to run stop signs at slow speeds and because the system disobeyed other traffic laws.