Senators Slam Tesla’s Full Self-Driving System - Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA)

Core Viewpoint - Senators have raised concerns regarding the safety of Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, particularly its ability to handle railroad crossings, prompting a call for an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) [1][2]. Group 1: Investigation and Safety Concerns - Senators Ed Markey and Richard Blumenthal have requested the NHTSA to investigate Tesla's FSD system due to alleged failures in detecting and responding to railroad crossings, warning of potential "catastrophic" collisions [2][3]. - The call for investigation follows multiple near-collision incidents, highlighting the risk of major accidents at train crossings that could result in fatalities among vehicle occupants, train passengers, and rail workers [2][3]. Group 2: NHTSA's Response and Ongoing Scrutiny - The NHTSA has acknowledged receipt of the senators' letter and is currently gathering information on the reported incidents, emphasizing that Tesla's FSD system is intended to assist drivers but requires them to maintain full control of the vehicle [4]. - The FSD system has faced scrutiny from the NHTSA since an investigation was opened in October 2024 into 2.4 million Tesla vehicles after four crashes occurred in low-visibility conditions in 2023 [4]. Group 3: Tesla's Development and Public Perception - Despite safety concerns, Tesla continues to develop its FSD system, with CEO Elon Musk indicating potential updates that could enhance its navigation capabilities in complex environments [6]. - In September, Tesla modified the description of its FSD package on its website to clarify that the system does not make the vehicle fully autonomous, reflecting an effort to manage public perception [6].