Tesla disclosed another fatal crash that involves automated driver-assist systems, bringing its total to 17 crashes since June 2021. The government required the EV maker to submit data on these kinds of accidents to investigate the situation.
Tesla's 17th Fatal Crash
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration was given more information by Tesla regarding the crash in San Francisco Bay Area last February, involving a Tesla Model S and automated driver-assist systems. Bloomberg reported that Tesla disclosed to the agency that this was their 17th fatal crash since June 2021.
This also becomes the 66th reported accident based on data collected by NHTSA regarding crashes that involve Level 2 Automated Driving Systems. The data collection is part of an ongoing investigation since August 2021 to look at how Autopilot handles crash incidents following collisions with the first responder and other vehicles.
Advocates in Washington have been requesting regulators and lawmakers to tighten the rules for self-driving vehicles and technologies as it garners popularity day by day, including Tesla's Autopilot Driver-Assist Feature.
February Incident
The involved Tesla driver in this incident was pronounced dead after crashing into a fire truck on an interstate highway. The Contro Costa County Fire Protection District Department noted that the passenger of the vehicle was taken to the hospital in critical condition and four fighters were released immediately with minor injuries.
The incident occurred on Saturday, February 18, and was followed by Tesla's announcement of recalling more than 362,768 vehicles in the United States to update the Full Self-Driving feature after concerns were raised by the regulators about the system. Just like any other major automaker, Tesla had their issues with EVs. Gizmodo reported 19 Tesla recalls last year alone.
As per the company, certain EVs equipped with the FSD system were vulnerable to glitches, hence the recall. Prior to this, around 14 Tesla vehicles have already hit emergency vehicles while operating in autopilot mode.
Also Read : US Senators Markey, Blumenthal Urge Tesla CEO Elon Musk to Explain Company Privacy Policies
Opening Special Probe
NHTSA opened an investigation regarding this crash where an advanced driver assistance system was suspected of having been used. Reuters reported that the agency is reviewing whether the company's EVs ensure drivers are paying attention when using the system.
In previous reports, NHTSA stated that evidence suggested that drivers in most crashes had complied with Tesla's alert strategy seeking to compel driver attention to raise questions about its effectiveness.
NHTSA opens more than 100 special crash investigations every year dedicated to emerging technologies and other safety issues. These kinds of investigations previously helped to tighten safety rules on airbags.
