NHTSA elevates Tesla Autopilot safety probe
NHTSA investigating 16 crashes involving the partially-automated driving system
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is elevating its ongoing probe into the operation of Tesla's Autopilot feature.
The agency has been studying how the partially automated feature responds to emergency vehicles parked on the side of the road after several collisions involving Tesla vehicles using Autopilot and the Traffic Aware Cruise Control systems.
The probe has now moved to an engineering analysis, which is the next stage of an investigation that could lead to a recall.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A final decision could come within a year, the Associated Press reported.
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NHTSA is investigating several Tesla crashes that occurred while the Autopilot system was engaged. (Tesla)
NHTSA is looking into 14 crashes that led to one fatality and 15 injuries, plus two more incidents that Tesla reported.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Autopilot can steer a vehicle within a highway lane and control its speed. (Tesla)
Tesla updated the Autopilot software last year to enhance its ability to detect emergency lights in low light conditions but did not officially issue a recall.
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All new Tesla vehicles are equipped with Autopilot. (Tesla)
The agency said that the analysis will "explore the degree to which Autopilot and associated Tesla systems may exacerbate human factors or behavioral safety risks undermining the effectiveness of the driver's supervision.
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Over 830,000 Tesla vehicles built since 2014 are potentially affected by any action taken by NHTSA.