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NHTSA probing crashes of Teslas in full self-driving mode

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Robotaxi sensors and reduced visibility cited as concerns

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NHTSA cites four crashes; in one a pedestrian was killed

(Adds no immediate Tesla comment, background in paragraphs

3-11)

By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON, May 12 (Reuters) -

U.S. auto safety investigators asked Tesla to answer

questions on its plans to launch a paid robotaxi service in

Austin, Texas, in June, in order to assess how the electric

vehicle maker's cars with full self-driving technology will

perform in poor weather.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in a

letter made public on Monday, said it has been investigating

Tesla full self-driving collisions in reduced roadway visibility

conditions since October.

NHTSA said it is seeking additional information about

Tesla's development of robotaxis "to assess the ability of

Tesla's system to react appropriately to reduced roadway

visibility conditions" as well details on robotaxi deployment

plans and the technology being used.

Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

NHTSA in October opened an investigation into 2.4 million Tesla

vehicles equipped with full self-driving (FSD) technology after

four reported collisions, including a 2023 fatal crash.

On Monday, NHTSA said it wants to know how many vehicles

will be used as robotaxis and the expected timetable for

availability of robotaxi technology for vehicles controlled by

people other than Tesla.

NHTSA also wants to know whether robotaxi vehicles will

be supervised or monitored by Tesla in real time.

NHTSA's letter asks Tesla to describe how it intends to

ensure safety of robotaxi operations in reduced roadway

visibility conditions such as sun glare, fog, airborne dust,

rain, or snow. It also wants to know what happens if poor

visibility is encountered during a ride.

The letter asks for details on the robotaxi sensors, use

of cameras and sensors "for the robotaxi system's safe operation

when supervised and unsupervised" and whether Tesla complies

fully or partially with any industry standards on driving

automation systems.

In October, NHTSA said it was opening its investigation

after four reports of crashes where full self-driving technology

was engaged during reduced roadway visibility conditions. A

pedestrian was killed in Rimrock, Arizona, in November 2023

after being struck by a 2021 Tesla Model Y, NHTSA said.

In December, 2023, Tesla recalled more than 2 million

U.S. vehicles to install safeguards in its Autopilot advanced

driver-assistance system. NHTSA is still probing whether that

recall is adequate to address concerns drivers are not paying

attention.

There have been at least two fatal accidents involving

Tesla's full self-driving technology, including an incident in

April 2024 in which a Model S in full self-driving mode hit and

killed a 28-year-old motorcyclist in the Seattle area.