Washington — Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi (D‑IL) sent a letter to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on Thursday demanding that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) address what he described as a growing body of publicly available videos showing Tesla drivers apparently asleep or otherwise disengaged while the vehicle’s Autopilot or Full Self‑Driving (FSD) systems were active.
Video evidence cited
Krishnamoorthi referenced an NBC News report that identified 43 videos of moving Teslas with drivers appearing to be asleep in the seat, including 17 recorded this year alone. He asked whether the agency has evaluated Tesla’s safeguards when the cabin camera is obstructed, visibility is impaired, or drivers use sunglasses or hats that could interfere with driver‑monitoring detection.
Call for stronger safeguards
In his letter, the lawmaker urged the NHTSA to “ensure that manufacturers have adequate safeguards to prevent foreseeable misuse and that drivers are not encouraged to place dangerous levels of reliance on systems that still require their full attention.” He emphasized that while Tesla advertises Autopilot and FSD as driver‑assist technologies, both require fully attentive drivers with hands on the wheel.
Tesla’s position
Tesla has repeatedly stated that Autopilot enables a vehicle to steer, accelerate and brake within its lane, and that Full Self‑Driving can obey traffic signals and change lanes. However, the company also stresses that the systems are not autonomous and demand drivers remain ready to intervene at any moment.
Regulatory background
The NHTSA, part of the Department of Transportation overseen by Secretary Duffy, has been scrutinizing Tesla’s advanced driver‑assist features for several years. In March, the agency escalated its investigation into roughly 3.2 million Teslas equipped with FSD, citing concerns that the system may fail to detect hazards or provide adequate warnings in low‑visibility conditions. Earlier, in October, NHTSA opened a separate probe into about 2.9 million Tesla vehicles after receiving more than 50 reports of traffic‑safety violations and crashes linked to the FSD system. The agency warned that the technology had “induced vehicle behavior that violated traffic safety laws” when drivers were not paying proper attention.
Previous recalls and safety actions
In 2023, Tesla recalled approximately 2 million vehicles—nearly its entire U.S. fleet—to improve driver‑attention safeguards for Autopilot use. The recall aimed to reinforce the requirement that drivers keep their hands on the wheel and remain fully engaged while the system is active.
Administration response
Secretary Duffy has not yet issued a public response to Krishnamoorthi’s letter. The Trump administration has consistently emphasized the importance of personal responsibility behind the wheel, even as it supports innovation in vehicle technology. By urging the NHTSA to act, the representative aligns with the administration’s broader goal of protecting families and preserving individual liberty through clear, enforceable safety standards.
What’s at stake
The debate over Tesla’s driver‑assist features touches on several core concerns for American families: road safety, parental responsibility, and the balance between technological progress and personal accountability. While the convenience of hands‑free driving appeals to many, the risk of drivers becoming overly reliant on the system—especially when they appear to be asleep—remains a serious public‑safety issue.
As the NHTSA continues its investigations, stakeholders from automakers to consumer‑advocacy groups will be watching for any new regulations or guidance that could shape how advanced driver‑assist technologies are used on America’s roads.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
