Tesla introduced its Full Self-Driving feature in 2022, an add-on to its Auto-pilot feature. The feature was reportedly being used by a Tesla owner when the car suddenly stopped on the highway causing 8 cars to crash and injuring 9 people.
The accident occurred on November 24, 2022, when a Tesla passing through a San Fransisco tunnel suddenly changed lanes and stopped dead in front of the car behind it. This caused an 8-car pile-up as the cars coming in high speed after it had to push brakes but failed to do it in time. The accident resulted in injuring nine people, including a two-year-old.
The driver of the Tesla claimed that the car was being driven in Full Self-Drive (FSD) mode. This mode allows Tesla to automatically change lanes, enter and exit highways, recognize stop signs and traffic lights, and park. This feature is still in beta testing and must be monitored by licensed drivers.
The Intercept obtained a security footage that shows the Tesla entering the tunnel, suddenly moving into the left lane with its blinker on, and abruptly halting in front of the car behind it.
I obtained surveillance footage of the self-driving Tesla that abruptly stopped on the Bay Bridge, resulting in an eight-vehicle crash that injured 9 people including a 2 yr old child just hours after Musk announced the self-driving feature.
Full story: https://t.co/LaEvX9TzxW pic.twitter.com/i75jSh2UpN
— Ken Klippenstein (@kenklippenstein) January 10, 2023
As of 22 December 2022 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched 41 investigations into accidents caused by using automated features in Tesla.
In recent years, Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software has come under scrutiny for its performance. This is mainly due to beta testers who have shared their experiences with the software on YouTube. These testers have highlighted a number of issues with the software, from the system’s tendency to push the brakes randomly, to attempting to steer into the wrong lane, as well as instances where the software seemed unable to detect pedestrians on the road. It’s important to note that FSD is still in beta and has not yet been released to the public; thus, its performance is subject to change.
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