Trouble on the Road: Tesla Under Fire for Self-Driving Safety Violations

Tesla is currently facing scrutiny from the U.S. government due to allegations that its self-driving vehicles have breached traffic laws. Reports indicate instances of Tesla cars driving on the wrong side of the road and failing to stop at red lights, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealing that they are aware of 58 incidents related to such violations. This investigation impacts an estimated 2.9 million vehicles equipped with the controversial Full Self-Driving (Supervised) feature, which is an optional purchase for Tesla owners.

The NHTSA’s preliminary evaluation aims to assess not only the scope and frequency of these incidents but also their potential safety consequences. The Full Self-Driving mode allows cars to perform tasks like lane changes and turns, yet requires that drivers remain vigilant and ready to take control at any moment. Among the six reported crashes, all linked to the vehicles’ actions at intersections, there were four injuries due to cars launching off from red lights.

Tesla has reportedly taken steps to address these concerns, especially in Maryland, where recurring red light violations have occurred at a specific intersection. Additionally, there will be an examination of incidents where vehicles have crossed into oncoming traffic while turning, often leaving drivers with little time to react.

In parallel, Tesla is also dealing with another investigation regarding the door locking mechanisms of their Model Y, leading to distressing situations where children have been trapped inside, prompting some parents to break windows for rescue.

In lighter news, Tesla has launched cheaper versions of some of its top-selling models, aiming to compete against budget electric vehicles, particularly from Chinese manufacturers. Furthermore, Elon Musk has entered the political arena, forming a new political party, the America Party, in July to challenge the current political landscape dominated by the Republicans and Democrats.

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