Tesla faces more questions about Autopilot safety from US regulator

Tesla faces more questions about Autopilot safety from US regulator

The U.S. auto security regulator that’s investigating Tesla‘s driver help software program has raised issues that the EV maker is risking security by not assuring drivers listen whereas utilizing the Autopilot system, paperwork launched on Tuesday confirmed.

In a so-called particular order dated July 26, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration targeted on a change by Tesla that enables drivers to make use of Autopilot for prolonged durations with out prompting the motive force to use torque to the steering wheel. NHTSA ordered Tesla to reply questions and produce paperwork however didn’t order any adjustments.

“The resulting relaxation of controls…could lead to greater driver inattention and failure of the driver to properly supervise Autopilot,” NHTSA mentioned in its letter to Tesla.

NHTSA requested when the software program replace was launched, the variety of autos affected, Tesla’s motive for putting in and any plans to allow the software program within the subsequent yr.

The company is investigating the efficiency of Autopilot after figuring out greater than a dozen crashes through which Tesla autos hit stationary emergency autos. It can be investigating whether or not Tesla autos adequately guarantee drivers are paying consideration when utilizing the motive force help system.

In June 2022, NHTSA upgraded an earlier probe of 830,000 Tesla autos into an engineering evaluation – a required step earlier than it might doubtlessly demand a recall. Last month, NHTSA sought up to date responses and present information from Tesla within the probe.

Autopilot is meant to allow automobiles to steer, speed up and brake mechanically inside their lane, whereas enhanced Autopilot can help in altering lanes on highways.

In April, Tesla CEO Elon Musk tweeted that Tesla is steadily decreasing alerts geared toward ensuring drivers utilizing Tesla’s “Full Self-Driving” (FSD) system maintain their fingers on the wheel. He additionally this week mentioned “Yeah” in response to an X message that “No steering wheel nag will be a *game changer* for FSD user satisfaction.”

The particular order requests paperwork and explanations by Aug. 25 to assist with NHTSA’s inquiry. Late responses can incur a penalty of $26,315 per day.

Source: www.anews.com.tr