The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated a new special crash investigation into a tragic accident involving a 2018 Tesla Model 3 in California.
As Reuters reports, the incident has raised concerns about the use of advanced driver assistance systems, such as Tesla's Autopilot, and its potential implications on road safety.
This marks one of the more than three dozen special crash investigations opened by the NHTSA concerning incidents where driver assistance systems were suspected to have been utilized, resulting in 20 reported crash deaths since 2016.
Probing Tesla's Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
The NHTSA's decision to investigate incidents involving Tesla's advanced driver assistance systems emphasizes the growing importance of regulating and understanding the complexities of semi-autonomous driving technologies.
While driver assistance technologies offer increased safety and convenience, these accidents underline the significance of conducting thorough investigations to assure their dependability and safety standards.
Despite the 2018 Tesla Model 3 achieving a perfect 5-star safety rating across all categories and sub-categories from the NHTSA, the vehicle has faced a series of challenges, including 13 recalls and over 500 complaints.
These recalls and complaints are not solely limited to the Model 3, suggesting that advancements in autonomous technology might come with some trade-offs.
Related Incidents
The US NHTSA also issued a safety recall for a specific group of Tesla Model 3 vehicles due to a suspension issue back in March.
Teslaoracle reports that the recall affects a small percentage, approximately 1%, of Model 3s, with only 422 cars manufactured between January 5, 2018, and March 30, 2019, being affected.
The problem lies in the front suspension lateral link fasteners, which can loosen or detach over time. The NHTSA's recall document guides owners to identify the issue themselves, such as listening for abnormal noises emanating from the front suspension.
Tesla has been proactive in addressing safety concerns and, in many instances, has issued software updates to enhance vehicle performance and address potential vulnerabilities.
The 2018 Tesla Model 3, being one of the pioneers in the electric vehicle market, has witnessed immense popularity and demand, catapulting Tesla to the forefront of the automotive industry.
With about 146,000 units sold in 2018, Tesla Model 3 became the best-selling premium vehicle in the United States.
However, these incidents shed light on the complexities of developing and deploying autonomous technology and the challenges in ensuring widespread safety and compliance.
In Other News
The Ford F-150 Lightning EV is now available for as low as $9,799, depending on the variant. The Dearborn-based automaker stated that the new pricing is due to the anticipated availability of its new facility, as well as EV efficiency improvements.
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