Tesla’s recent rollout of its robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, has drawn the attention of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) after social media videos surfaced showing erratic driving behavior by its autonomous vehicles. The service, which launched on a limited invitation-only basis on Sunday, encountered immediate scrutiny as clips depicted a robotaxi traveling against traffic and another making sudden stops in response to stationary police vehicles.
In light of these incidents, the NHTSA indicated it is in communication with Tesla to gather more details about the events that took place. This is part of the agency’s ongoing commitment to ensuring road safety, as they do not pre-approve new technologies or vehicle systems; instead, manufacturers are responsible for certifying that their vehicles meet federal safety standards.
Previously, Tesla had been making strides in autonomous vehicle technology, but these latest developments might raise concerns regarding the testing and deployment of such systems in real-world environments. Tesla’s Vice President of Vehicle Engineering and their regulatory counsel have yet to provide further comment on the matter.
With the continued advancement of autonomous driving technology, it is crucial for both manufacturers and regulators to collaborate closely. The hope is that Tesla will address these issues swiftly, ensuring a safe and effective rollout of its innovative services while maintaining public trust in autonomous technology.