Congressman Demands DOT Action on Tesla FSD After Driver Videos

Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi has formally requested that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) provide a detailed explanation of its actions concerning Tesla's Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) systems. This inquiry follows an NBC News investigation that uncovered approximately 43 video recordings depicting drivers who appeared to be asleep or otherwise disengaged while operating vehicles equipped with these advanced driver-assistance features. Krishnamoorthi, who chairs the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, has issued a deadline of September 30 for Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to respond to five specific questions. The congressman's office has indicated that these questions aim to ascertain the DOT's current understanding of the risks associated with Tesla's systems and the measures being taken to ensure public safety.

Tesla's own documentation explicitly states that its Autopilot and FSD systems "require active driver supervision and are not autonomous driving systems." This disclaimer underscores the expectation that drivers must remain attentive and ready to intervene at all times, a requirement that appears to be frequently disregarded, as evidenced by the video footage. The NBC News investigation highlighted instances where drivers were allegedly asleep, using their phones, or otherwise not actively monitoring the road while Tesla's systems were engaged. The surfacing of these videos has intensified scrutiny on the safety protocols and regulatory oversight of advanced driver-assistance technologies, particularly those marketed with names that suggest a higher degree of autonomy than currently exists.

In his letter to Secretary Duffy, Krishnamoorthi is seeking clarity on several key points. These include the DOT's ongoing investigations into Tesla's Autopilot and FSD, the department's assessment of the potential dangers posed by these systems when drivers are not actively supervising them, and any steps the DOT has taken or plans to take to mitigate these risks. The congressman also wants to know how the DOT is working to educate the public about the limitations of these technologies and the critical importance of driver engagement. The demand for information reflects growing concerns among lawmakers and safety advocates about the potential for misuse of advanced driver-assistance systems and the adequacy of current regulatory frameworks to address these evolving technologies. The September 30 deadline signifies the urgency with which Krishnamoorthi's committee views this issue, aiming to elicit concrete actions and transparent communication from the DOT regarding Tesla's controversial driver-assistance features.