A recent incident involving a Tesla Cybertruck has sparked concerns about the safety of the company’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) mode. The vehicle, owned by a Florida-based software engineer, collided with a curb and a light post while the FSD mode was engaged.
The Incident
According to the engineer, Jonathan Challinger, the accident occurred when the vehicle failed to merge out of a lane that was ending. The vehicle did not attempt to slow down or turn off the lane until it hit the curb, resulting in a collision with a light post. Challinger reported the incident on social media, stating that he walked away from the accident without a scratch.
Key Points
- The accident occurred while the FSD mode was engaged
- The vehicle failed to merge out of a lane that was ending
- The vehicle did not attempt to slow down or turn off the lane until it hit the curb
- The owner reported the incident on social media and emphasized the importance of staying alert while using FSD mode
Regulatory Concerns
The incident has raised concerns among regulatory bodies, including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The NHTSA has previously flagged concerns about Tesla’s promotion of FSD on social media, citing that it may encourage viewers to see FSD as a fully autonomous system rather than a driver assistance technology that requires active supervision.
Background
- The NHTSA has opened an investigation into 2.4 million Tesla vehicles following reports of crashes involving FSD
- The regulator has identified four crash reports in which a Tesla experienced a crash after entering an area of reduced roadway visibility with FSD engaged
- In one of the crashes, the vehicle struck and killed a pedestrian
Conclusion
The incident highlights the importance of staying alert and vigilant while using FSD mode. While Tesla’s FSD technology is designed to assist drivers, it is not a fully autonomous system and requires active supervision. The incident also underscores the need for regulatory bodies to closely monitor the development and deployment of autonomous vehicle technologies.