Feds Probe Tesla's FSD After Crashes in Bad Weather

Federal safety investigators have started a new probe into Tesla's electric cars, focusing on the "full self-driving" (FSD) feature. This is the 14th investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and one of several currently underway. The agency is looking into four crashes where Teslas using the FSD system hit something after facing issues like fog, sun glare, or airborne dust. In one tragic incident, a Model Y struck and killed a pedestrian in Rimrock, Arizona, last November.

NHTSA requires automakers to report crashes involving partially or fully automated cars. While some cars, like those from Waymo and Zoox, are designed to drive without human supervision (known as level 4 automation), most cars available to the public, including Tesla's, are less advanced. Often called "level 2+" systems, they can steer, accelerate, and brake, even changing lanes without explicit instruction. However, the driver is still supposed to be in control, even if the car is in a hands-free mode. It's important to remember that these systems are not truly self-driving. They need a human to stay alert and ready to take over if needed. The recent crashes highlight the challenges these systems face in certain weather conditions and the need for continued oversight and improvement.

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