Rosalind Evans
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg criticizes Tesla for using the term “Autopilot” to describe its partially automated driving system, stating that it is misleading since the cars cannot drive themselves. The system is currently under investigation by the Department of Transportation due to its connection with accidents resulting in at least 14 deaths. In an interview, Buttigieg expressed concern about Tesla’s marketing, highlighting that the fine print advises drivers to always keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a department within Buttigieg’s authority, has dispatched investigative teams to over 30 crashes since 2016 involving Teslas suspected of using Autopilot or the more advanced Full Self-Driving system. These crashes have involved collisions with pedestrians, motorcyclists, semi-trailers, and parked emergency vehicles. The NHTSA’s investigations are part of a broader examination into instances where Teslas using Autopilot have crashed into parked emergency vehicles at accident scenes. Over the past year, the NHTSA has taken a more aggressive stance in addressing safety concerns related to Teslas, including issuing recalls and initiating investigations.
Tesla, headquartered in Austin, Texas, has yet to respond.
While Autopilot can help keep a car within its lane and maintain distance from vehicles ahead, and Full Self-Driving can handle most driving tasks, Tesla instructs owners to be prepared to intervene at any time.
Buttigieg emphasized that the Transportation Department would hold Tesla and other companies accountable for meeting federal safety standards. He stated that they aim to be objective and transparent, promptly addressing any wrongdoing or safety issues. He also acknowledged the potential of self-driving technology to reduce the approximately 40,000 annual U.S. roadway deaths significantly but emphasized that the technology is still unproven. The Department of Transportation is actively shaping regulations and guidelines in this area.
The NHTSA is also examining Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system. In February, the agency pressured Tesla to recall nearly 363,000 vehicles equipped with the software due to its potential to break traffic laws. Tesla planned to address the issue through an online software update.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has repeatedly promised fully autonomous vehicles, even stating they could be available this year. However, the NHTSA has identified unsafe actions performed by Tesla’s self-driving system, such as driving straight through an intersection from a designated turn-only lane or disregarding yellow traffic lights without caution. The agency has also investigated sudden braking issues, suspension problems, and other concerns with Tesla vehicles in recent years.
Buttigieg refrained from commenting directly on the ongoing investigations but assured that external bodies and regulatory entities, including those responsible for marketing and vehicle safety, closely monitor such matters.
He stressed that no vehicles currently on the market can drive themselves, emphasizing the importance of driver attention in all circumstances. The Justice Department has also requested documents from Tesla regarding the Full Self-Driving and Autopilot systems.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s criticism of Tesla’s use of the term “Autopilot” for its partially automated driving system highlights concerns about misleading marketing and the need for clear communication regarding the limitations of such systems.
The ongoing investigations by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration underscore the importance of addressing safety issues and ensuring compliance with federal standards. As the Department of Transportation continues to shape regulations and guidelines for self-driving technology, it remains essential to prioritize safety, transparency, and the protection of drivers and pedestrians on the road.
