Rear-end collisions despite "autopilot" in the Tesla: US investigation expanded
Created: 06/09/2022, 20:35
By: Christoph Gschossmann
A Tesla Model X (pictured in front) can cost over 100,000 euros.
© Julian Stratenschulte/dpa
Tesla has an "autopilot" system - but this has come under criticism after accidents have occurred.
The US Department of Transportation plans to expand its investigations.
Washington / Munich - How dangerous is the "autopilot" of Tesla vehicles?
The US transportation agency NHTSA has expanded its investigation into the driver assistance system after a series of rear-end collisions.
Since the investigation began in August, she has identified six other incidents in which Teslas with the "Autopilot" system engaged crashed into parked emergency vehicles.
Originally, there were eleven such accidents.
The last crash happened in January.
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Tesla itself warns its customers about the "autopilot" system
Additional data should help with the investigation.
This was announced by the authority in a document published on Thursday.
There are an estimated 830,000 vehicles from all four current model series (these Tesla models exist) from 2014 to 2022. It should also be examined to what extent the system of the electric car manufacturer increases the risk of human error.
The company itself warns its customers about the system: Tesla itself points out to the customers that "Autopilot" is only an assistance system and therefore the person in the driver's seat must keep their hands on the steering wheel at all times.
He should always be ready to take control.
Nevertheless, it happens again and again that drivers rely completely on the "autopilot" system.
Tesla tightened its safety measures a few years ago: The software notices when the driver's hands are not on the wheel and emits warning tones after a short time.
The NHTSA had already examined the "autopilot" system for the first time after a fatal accident in 2016.
At that time, a driver died after his Tesla crashed under the trailer of a semi truck crossing the road.
NHTSA concluded that the system was working correctly, within its capabilities, but that the human driver was over-reliing on it.
The "autopilot" system had not recognized the trailer with its white side panel and had not braked.
The driver didn't respond either.
"Autopilot" from Tesla: Lighting conditions the reason for the accidents?
In the current investigation, the NHTSA pointed out that in all rear-end collisions, the fire and ambulance vehicles were clearly identified, among other things, thanks to the flashing lights being switched on.
Tesla released a software update in September last year, thanks to which the "autopilot" should be able to recognize the vehicles with their distinctive flashing lights even in difficult lighting conditions.
The NHTSA then questioned why the update was not declared a recall.
At the end of May there were reports that Tesla was suspending its European deliveries with the FSD and EAP autopilot systems due to improper functionality.
(cg with dpa)
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