Lawmakers are calling for an investigation into Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, citing concerns about its safety, particularly at railroad crossings. Senators Ed Markey and Richard Blumenthal have asked the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to look into the alleged failures of Tesla’s FSD system.
Background
The senators expressed apprehension about the system’s capacity to safely detect and respond to railroad crossings, cautioning about the possibility of “catastrophic” collisions. This call for investigation follows a string of near-collision incidents, warning of the risk of major accidents at train crossings that could cause multiple fatalities among vehicle occupants, train passengers, and rail workers.
Risk of Catastrophic Collisions
“A miscalculation at a train crossing can lead to catastrophic, multi-fatality collisions involving vehicle occupants, train passengers, and rail workers,” the senators wrote in a letter. The NHTSA confirmed receiving the senators’ letter and said it is in the process of collecting information on the incidents. The agency emphasized that Tesla’s FSD system is designed to assist drivers in certain scenarios but still requires them to remain in full control of the vehicle at all times.
Ongoing Scrutiny
Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system has faced scrutiny from the NHTSA. In October 2024, the agency opened an investigation into 2.4 million Tesla vehicles with FSD after four crashes were reported in low-visibility road conditions. The senators’ call for an investigation comes amid ongoing concerns about the safety and reliability of Tesla’s autonomous driving technology.
Developments in Tesla’s FSD System
Despite these concerns, Tesla has continued to develop and update its FSD system. Earlier, CEO Elon Musk hinted at updates to the FSD system that could make it capable of navigating complex road conditions, including multi-level parking garages. Interestingly, Tesla had subtly altered the description of its FSD package on its official website, clarifying that the system does not render the vehicle autonomous.
Conclusion
The call for an investigation into Tesla’s FSD system highlights the need for continued scrutiny of autonomous driving technology. As the development of these systems continues, it is essential to prioritize safety and reliability to prevent catastrophic collisions.