The ongoing scrutiny surrounding Tesla’s reporting of accidents involving its driver-assistance technology has raised significant eyebrows, even at the federal level. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into Tesla for its delays in submitting crucial accident reports, as highlighted in a Reuters report.
So, just how long is Tesla taking to report these incidents? While the NHTSA expects companies to submit crash reports within one to five days of becoming aware of an accident, Tesla has reportedly been taking “several months or more” to comply. This has undoubtedly led to numerous follow-up emails from the NHTSA, seeking updates from the company.
In light of this, the NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation is now conducting an audit to assess the reasons behind these reporting delays, the extent of these delays, and any measures Tesla may be implementing to resolve the issues. According to Bloomberg, the NHTSA attributed the delays to issues with Tesla’s data collection, which the company claims have been resolved. Nevertheless, the investigation will provide further clarity on the matter, particularly given Tesla’s history of seeking to limit public disclosure of crash data, as previously reported in another Reuters article.
Tesla’s ability to draw this level of scrutiny is remarkable, especially considering the current administration’s generally favorable stance towards autonomous vehicles. Earlier this year, the NHTSA relaxed certain regulations regarding self-driving technology, including reporting rules for accidents. Ironically, Tesla now faces criticism for not adhering to the very leniencies its CEO, Elon Musk, has lobbied for in Washington.
This investigation adds to a growing list of NHTSA actions targeting Tesla. Under the Biden administration, the NHTSA initiated an investigation into Tesla’s full self-driving technology after it was linked to multiple collisions, including one fatal incident. Additionally, the agency launched probes into crashes involving Tesla vehicles operating a remote control feature and inquired about the newly launched robotaxi service in Texas to determine if Tesla employees could remotely control these vehicles as noted by Reuters.
Why is Tesla taking so long to report accident data?
Tesla allegedly takes several months to report incidents, while the NHTSA expects notification within one to five days.
What measures is NHTSA implementing in response to Tesla’s delays?
The NHTSA has opened an investigation to understand the reasons behind the delays and will assess any measures Tesla has taken to address the issue.
How does this situation affect Tesla’s relationship with regulators?
This scrutiny puts a strain on Tesla’s relationship with regulators, especially during a time when the federal government is easing restrictions on autonomous vehicles.
What previous investigations has Tesla faced related to safety issues?
Previously, the NHTSA investigated Tesla’s full self-driving technology and its remote vehicle control feature, linking them to several accidents.
In conclusion, Tesla’s challenges with accident reporting underscore a significant issue in the evolving landscape of autonomous driving technology. As investigations unfold, it will be fascinating to observe how Tesla navigates regulatory hurdles and public scrutiny. For more insightful content on technology and regulations, check out Moyens I/O.