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Hello followers! Today, we’re diving into the buzz around Tesla’s robotaxi service and the watchful eyes of safety regulators. Buckle up, because it’s quite the ride!
Recently, Tesla launched its robotaxi rides in Austin, allowing customers to hail autonomous vehicles through an app. While it’s an exciting step forward for self-driving tech, it hasn’t gone unnoticed by authorities.
Just a day after Tesla started offering rides, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reached out to Tesla. The agency responded to videos circulating online showing Tesla robotaxis speeding and even veering into the wrong lane, especially in South Austin where rides are being provided.
NHTSA confirmed to TechCrunch that they are in contact with Tesla to gather more details. They clarified that they haven’t approved the new tech but are investigating reports to ensure safety standards are met, following the Vehicle Safety Act.
During the initial rollout, Tesla’s vehicles operated with an unsupervised version of their Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, but with a human safety monitor onboard. Videos have emerged showing these robotaxis exceeding speed limits and making sudden, unexplained braking — like hitting brakes near police vehicles without warning.
Industry experts, including Ed Niedermeyer, captured footage of Tesla robotaxis reacting unexpectedly, which raises concerns about their autonomous capabilities in real-world scenarios.
The company’s move marks a pivotal moment in autonomous vehicle technology, but regulatory attention underscores the importance of safety as these vehicles hit public roads. Stay tuned as this story unfolds and more updates roll in!
