Federal safety regulators contacted Tesla the day after the car manufacturer began offering vehicles for Austin’s brand Robotaxis.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) contacted Tesla as numerous videos posted online appeared to show Tesla Robotaxis violating South Austin’s traffic laws. Bloomberg was the first to report that the NHTSA had contacted Tesla. The NHTSA confirmed with TechCrunch that it had contacted the automaker.
“The NHTSA is aware of the incident being referenced, and is in touch with the manufacturer and collecting additional information,” the company said in an email statement. “NHTSA will continue to enforce laws regarding all manufacturers of automobiles and equipment in accordance with Vehicle Safety Act and our data-driven, risk-based investigation process. Under US law, NHTSA does not pre-approve new technologies or vehicle systems. Other relevant information, NHTSA will take necessary steps to protect road safety.”
On Sunday, Tesla began giving paid rides to invited customers in South Austin. The launch is the first real test of the automaker’s autonomous vehicle technology, despite its limited size and range. Tesla sells the brand’s fully automated driving supervision software to vehicle owners. The FSD handles the steering and brakes when engaged. However, it is considered an advanced driver assistance system that requires the driver to place his or her hands on top.
The Tesla Robotaxis is equipped with an unsupervised version of FSD, but the company does not provide specific details about the software. Robotaxis, which customers can welcome through the app, is intended to drive on their own. In particular, the Tesla Robotaxis has a “safety monitor” for humans sitting in the passenger seat during these vehicles.
A video posted online shows Tesla’s Robotaxis driving past the speed limit, swinging into the wrong lane in one case.
TechCrunch filmed a video Sunday showing Tesla branded Robotakshi, author of “Ludicrous: The Unvarnished Story of Tesla Motors,” showing Robotakshi, who was suddenly braking twice for no reason, in order to monitor the deployment of Robotakshi in Austin. Videos viewed by TechCrunch and subsequently posted to YouTube show that in both cases Tesla hit the brakes as he approached a police vehicle in the driveway of a parking lot adjacent to the road.
