Tesla FSD Under Scrutiny After Fatal Motorcycle Collision

A Tesla Model S in 'Full Self-Driving' (FSD) mode was involved in a fatal accident, hitting and killing a motorcyclist in Seattle. The 56-year-old driver admitted to using his cell phone at the time. Tesla's FSD technology is under increasing regulatory scrutiny, with limitations highlighted by experts.

A Tesla Model S vehicle operating in "Full Self-Driving" (FSD) mode was involved in a fatal crash that killed a 28-year-old motorcyclist in the Seattle area in April, according to police reports. The vehicle's 56-year-old driver has been arrested on suspicion of vehicular homicide after admitting to checking his cell phone while the driver assistance feature was active.

Tesla states that its "Full Self-Driving (Supervised)" software requires active driver supervision and does not make the vehicle fully autonomous. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had previously reported one fatal accident involving Tesla's FSD software in the past year.

The NHTSA is currently gathering information on the Seattle crash. Experts have noted limitations in Tesla's camera-dependent technology. In contrast, some competitors, like Waymo, use advanced sensors like lidars. Analysts and engineers, such as Guidehouse Insights' Sam Abuelsamid and Carnegie Mellon's Raj Rajkumar, highlighted the challenges Tesla's technology faces in varied real-world conditions.

Elon Musk has announced a shift in focus towards self-driving vehicles, controversially putting on hold Tesla's plans for more affordable models. He envisions future Tesla vehicles as "mobile lounges" and expects full self-driving capability to be achieved soon.

However, Tesla's self-driving technology is under significant regulatory and legal scrutiny. The NHTSA initiated an investigation into Tesla's Autopilot system in August 2021 following several crashes involving stationary emergency vehicles. Moreover, a large-scale recall in December 2023 was mandated to add software safeguards across Tesla's fleet.

(With inputs from agencies.)