Too fast, in the wrong lane, etc..: US authority investigates Tesla's Robotaxis

Just one day after Tesla released autonomous cabs to customers, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has begun investigating incidents in which the robotaxis appear to be breaking traffic rules. The NHTSA has confirmed this to the US media. Some had previously collected videos in which the vehicles had, for example, driven over crossed-out markings, driven into oncoming traffic, exceeded the speed limit or failed to pull over to the side of the road when requested to do so. The necessary steps will be taken to ensure road safety, Bloomberg quotes a statement from the NHTSA.

Videos from fans point to problems

Tesla launched the robotaxi service long announced by company boss Elon Musk, initially on a small scale and with a chaperone in the passenger seat, on the weekend in Austin, Texas. Initially, it was mainly online influencers who were friendly to the company who were given a lift. The resulting videos show various violations of traffic regulations, such as a 22-minute film in which the autonomous vehicle (at minute 7:21) does not turn as prescribed but maneuvers into the opposite lane. In another video, the vehicle can be seen traveling noticeably faster than permitted on the road.

Although Tesla has only made 10 to 20 vehicles available for the launch of the service, there are already several indications of violations of traffic regulations. Unlike Waymo's autonomous cabs, for example, Tesla's vehicles only use cameras to orient themselves in their surroundings; there are no expensive laser radars on board. Doubts had therefore already been expressed in advance about how reliably the vehicles would be able to drive. However, if Tesla's plans work out, the company would have a considerable cost advantage. Elon Musk keeps talking about millions of self-driving Teslas that will soon be on the roads.

Tesla is using Model Y vehicles in Austin. Production of a special version without a steering wheel and pedals is set to begin next year. Currently, an employee of the company still sits in the passenger seat and can stop the cars if necessary. Passengers also have to register with him using their apps, as can be seen from some experience reports. Many of the Tesla robotaxis are followed by an escort vehicle – and they can also be controlled remotely. Waymo, meanwhile, is driving completely autonomously in a much larger area of Austin.

(mho)