Tesla's Robotaxi Was Spotted Making a Turn It Quickly Regretted | Carscoops
Tesla's Robotaxi service in Austin is facing scrutiny following several unusual driving incidents.
One of the robotaxis attempted to turn too soon and swerved back into the oncoming lane during a mid-intersection maneuver.
The NHTSA has acknowledged these incidents and is in direct communication with Tesla to obtain further information.
This development was somewhat anticipated. Just a few days after the launch of Tesla’s Robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been made aware of multiple occurrences involving erratic driving by the vehicles. Elon Musk had previously mentioned that Tesla would proceed with caution in launching the service, which now appears to have been a prudent approach.
The initial riders of the new Robotaxi service included notable advocates of the Tesla brand, who were given invitations to try out the system before it is made available to the general public. Among them was Rob Maurer from the Tesla Daily YouTube channel.
In his video, the Tesla Model Y Robotaxi was seen navigating the streets of Austin largely without issues. However, at the 7:05 mark, it signaled and shifted into the left lane in preparation for a left turn. It soon became evident that it was attempting to turn at the wrong intersection, realizing this only midway through the maneuver. After a moment of hesitation, it reverted to the right lane and continued straight before successfully executing a left turn a few hundred feet later.
The Incidents Persist
A subsequent incident was captured by automotive journalist Edward Niedermeyer, who filmed a Tesla Robotaxi abruptly stopping in the road while passing by a line of police cars parked adjacent to the street. Additionally, another video from Tesla investor Sawyer Merritt showed the vehicle traveling at 35 mph in a 30 mph zone.
In a conversation with CNBC, an NHTSA spokesperson stated that they were "aware of the referenced incidents and are in contact with the manufacturer for more information." The agency emphasized that it will look into "incidents involving potential safety defects" and take "necessary actions to ensure road safety."
Notably, the regulator does not require pre-approval for technologies and systems, including those utilized by Tesla’s new Robotaxi fleet.
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Tesla's Robotaxi Was Spotted Making a Turn It Quickly Regretted | Carscoops
One self-driving Model Y made an incorrect turn and veered back into the path of oncoming traffic, while another was detected exceeding the speed limit.