Elon Musk's Tesla robotaxis face federal investigation after dangerous driving videos go viral

Time of India

4 days ago

In a major setback to Tesla's self-driving ambitions, federal regulators have launched an investigation into the company's newly debuted robotaxis following the circulation of alarming videos online. The footage, captured during the early rollout in Austin, Texas, shows Tesla's
autonomous vehicles
veering into opposing lanes, ignoring traffic signals, and braking without reason. These incidents have prompted the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to begin an inquiry. Tesla had just begun offering paid robotaxi rides using its updated Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, but the troubling footage now casts doubt on the safety and reliability of the technology.
Viral clips of Tesla robotaxis trigger regulatory response
Videos posted on social media show multiple Tesla vehicles behaving erratically. In one case, a robotaxi is seen making an illegal maneuver from a left-turn-only lane, gliding into oncoming traffic before swerving back. Another clip shows a car braking twice in the middle of the road with no obstacles in sight. These viral incidents prompted NHTSA to issue a statement confirming it is in contact with Tesla and reviewing the events.
Tesla's rollout collides with public safety concerns
Tesla began offering its first commercial robotaxi rides in Austin using modified Model Y vehicles. The launch was met with enthusiasm from investors and Tesla loyalists, who hailed it as a major milestone. However, safety experts were quick to raise red flags. Critics argue that despite Tesla's claims, the FSD software still lacks the consistency and judgment required for public road use.
Experts warn of unpredictable AI behavior
Automotive technology specialist Sam Abuelsamid voiced strong concerns over the system's performance. 'This is not a system that should be carrying members of the public,' he said, citing its tendency to alternate between smooth operation and dangerous unpredictability. While some passengers reported flawless rides, experts stress that even rare errors can have catastrophic consequences.
Tesla's regulatory history raises red flags
The investigation comes amid a history of regulatory clashes between Tesla and the NHTSA. The agency previously forced the company to recall over 2.4 million vehicles due to safety concerns tied to its FSD technology. This new probe raises further questions about Tesla's readiness to deploy fully autonomous vehicles without a safety driver onboard.
Musk's bold ambitions face growing pressure
CEO
Elon Musk
has repeatedly promised that Tesla's robotaxis will revolutionize transportation, even suggesting mass deployment as early as next year. However, with competitors like Waymo already operating safer and more controlled autonomous fleets, Tesla's margin for error is shrinking. The scrutiny now threatens to slow Tesla's roadmap and put Musk's aggressive timelines at risk.
What's next for Tesla's robotaxi program?
While Tesla has yet to release an official statement in response to the investigation, NHTSA's involvement signals increased oversight going forward. If the agency determines that the software poses a serious risk, further recalls or restrictions could follow. For now, the future of Tesla's autonomous driving program may hinge on whether it can convince regulators—and the public—that its vehicles are truly road-ready.
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