The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into Tesla’s “Actually Smart Summon” feature, a driverless technology that enables Tesla owners to summon their parked vehicles remotely via a smartphone. The probe comes after multiple reports of accidents involving the feature, which is available in Tesla models produced since 2016.
The NHTSA’s inquiry focuses on incidents where vehicles operating in the “Actually Smart Summon” mode failed to detect obstacles, including stationary objects like posts and parked cars. Tesla’s fleet of cars, including the Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y, all feature this technology, which is found in approximately 2.6 million vehicles globally.
While Tesla did not respond immediately to requests for comment, the investigation has drawn attention to potential safety concerns regarding the broader use of automated driving technologies. NHTSA has noted that at least four accidents have been linked to the “Actually Smart Summon” feature, which was introduced by Tesla in September. These incidents, however, did not result in any reported injuries.
In addition to the “Actually Smart Summon” feature, the agency is also examining previous versions of the technology, such as the original “Smart Summon.” The NHTSA has identified roughly a dozen other incidents involving the older system.
Tesla has long championed its advancements in self-driving technology, with CEO Elon Musk repeatedly asserting that such systems are safer than traditional driving. Musk’s strong advocacy for autonomous driving has fueled Tesla’s ambition to lead in the race for fully autonomous vehicles.
This investigation is the latest in a series of probes into Tesla’s autopilot features, which have been involved in several accidents, some of which resulted in fatalities. The NHTSA’s inquiry will examine various aspects of the “Actually Smart Summon” system, including the maximum speed at which the feature can be activated and the restrictions, or lack thereof, on its use in public spaces.
Tesla’s owner manual advises that the “Actually Smart Summon” feature should only be used in private areas, such as driveways, where drivers maintain a clear line of sight with their vehicles. Additionally, the feature is disabled when the vehicle is on public roads.
The announcement of the NHTSA investigation comes at a critical time, just weeks before Donald Trump, a vocal supporter of Elon Musk and Tesla, is expected to return to the White House. Trump’s presidency, marked by promises to reduce regulatory oversight, could potentially impact the future of regulations governing self-driving technology.
As this investigation unfolds, the spotlight on Tesla’s self-driving technology is expected to intensify, raising broader questions about the safety and regulation of autonomous vehicle features in the US.
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