Tesla autonomous tech blamed for eight-car pile-up in the US

Tesla’s controversial autonomous driving technology is facing increased scrutiny from the peak road safety authority in the US, following two crashes last month in which its advanced driver assistance systems were believed to be in use at the time of the collisions, according to overseas reports.

News agency Reuters reports the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened two new “special investigations” into crashes which involved Tesla’s electric cars last month. 

NHTSA alleges the electric-car giant’s advanced driver assistance systems were in use, causing both incidents.

Tesla claims its most advanced autonomous driving system – marketed as Full Self-Driving – can accelerate, stop, steer and park the car without human intervention, although the driver is still required to be attentive and maintain control to respond to unforeseen scenarios or a failure of the technology.

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According to Reuters, one of the latest incidents under investigation involved a Tesla Model S which allegedly caused an eight-car pile-up in November while crossing San Francisco’s Bay Bridge.

The Tesla’s driver claimed ‘Full Self-Driving’ mode was engaged when the Model S abruptly applied the brakes while changing lanes, causing a chain reaction of crashes which resulted in two injuries.

The second of the recent crashes also occurred in November, when a Tesla Model 3 slammed into the rear of a Ohio Highway Patrol car, which was parked on the road with its emergency lights flashing. 

While the Tesla driver was unharmed, an Ohio State Highway Patrol officer and another motorist were reportedly injured. 

A police report from Ohio police did not address whether the Tesla was driving with its autonomous driving system engaged.

Since 2016, NHTSA has opened 41 investigations into crashes which involved Tesla vehicles where advanced driver assistance systems were believed to be in use. 

These investigations have included Tesla’s less-capable ‘Autopilot’ and ‘Enhanced Autopilot’ systems, which are limited to technology such as radar cruise control and lane-keep assist.

While ‘Autopilot’ is included in the purchase of a Tesla vehicle – and is available worldwide – the electric-car giant charges its US customers $US15,000 ($AU22,500) to unlock ‘Full Self-Driving’. The technology does not comply with Australian road rules.

As previously reported, NHTSA data from July 2021 to June 2022 noted 392 crashes which involved vehicles equipped with advanced driver assistance systems. Of the 12 car brands in that sample, Tesla vehicles accounted for 273 – or 70 per cent – of the incidents. 

Of the six fatalities where advanced driver assistance systems were considered a factor, Tesla cars accounted for 83 per cent of such crashes.

In October 2022, overseas reports revealed the US Department of Justice had launched a criminal investigation into Tesla in 2021, following more than a dozen motor vehicle accidents involving the US auto giant’s cars.

The investigation alleges drivers have placed too much reliance on Tesla's driver assistance technology because the names of the systems exaggerate their true capabilities and ignore their limitations.

Earlier this month, Tesla defended itself against claims of fraud by explaining its autonomous-driving technology has simply failed to meet self-imposed goals – rather than mislead consumers.