Lawmaker Demands Feds Act On Tesla FSD Misuse

Representative Robert Garcia has urged the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to take action regarding the persistent misuse of Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) software. This call to action follows a report by the consumer advocacy group Consumer Watchdog, which documented 43 instances of Tesla drivers being filmed asleep or otherwise incapacitated while their vehicles were reportedly operating on FSD. The incidents, captured by the group's "Eyes on the Road" campaign, highlight ongoing concerns about the safety and public perception of advanced driver-assistance systems that may be mistaken for fully autonomous technology. Consumer Watchdog has been monitoring Tesla vehicles for over two years, documenting drivers engaging in unsafe behaviors while FSD is engaged, including sleeping, reading, and using mobile phones. The group's findings suggest that despite Tesla's disclaimers, drivers are continuing to over-rely on the system, potentially leading to dangerous situations. Garcia, a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, expressed his alarm in a letter to NHTSA Administrator Sophie Shulman, stating that the agency must "take immediate action to address the dangerous misuse of Tesla's Full Self-Driving system." He emphasized that the documented cases represent a significant public safety risk and that the NHTSA has a responsibility to ensure that vehicle safety technologies are used as intended. The congressman's letter specifically references the 43 drivers filmed by Consumer Watchdog, noting that these individuals were observed in various states of inattention, including sleeping, while their Teslas were in motion with FSD engaged. This situation underscores a broader debate within the automotive and technology sectors about the definition of "full self-driving" and the ethical implications of marketing systems that require constant driver supervision. Tesla's FSD system, while advanced, is classified as a Level 2 driver-assistance system, meaning it requires the driver to remain attentive and ready to take control at all times. However, the system's capabilities, which include navigating city streets and responding to traffic signals, have led some users to believe it offers a higher level of autonomy than it actually provides. The NHTSA has been investigating Tesla's Autopilot and FSD systems for several years, particularly following a series of crashes involving Tesla vehicles where the driver assistance systems were suspected to be in use. These investigations have led to increased scrutiny of the company's marketing practices and the safety performance of its software. Consumer Watchdog's "Eyes on the Road" campaign aims to collect and publicize evidence of driver misuse to pressure regulators and Tesla itself to implement stricter oversight and public awareness campaigns. The group advocates for clearer labeling of driver-assistance systems and more robust in-car monitoring to ensure driver engagement. The continued reports of drivers sleeping or being otherwise disengaged while using FSD suggest that current safeguards and public education efforts may be insufficient to prevent dangerous over-reliance on the technology. Representative Garcia's intervention signals a growing political will to address these safety concerns, potentially leading to new regulatory measures or enforcement actions by the NHTSA.