Lawmaker Urges DOT to Investigate Tesla FSD After Sleeping-Driver Clips

A member of the U.S. Congress has called on the Department of Transportation (DOT) to scrutinize Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) system after reviewing 43 videos that reportedly show drivers appearing to be asleep while their vehicles were in motion, according to a report from Moomoo.

What the Report Says

The report indicates that the congressman compiled or reviewed dozens of video clips purportedly showing Tesla drivers asleep behind the wheel while using the company's driver-assistance software. The lawmaker has reportedly pressed the DOT to take a closer look at the situation, raising questions about how Tesla's FSD system monitors driver attentiveness and whether existing safeguards are sufficient to prevent misuse.

Why It Matters

Tesla's FSD and Autopilot systems have faced ongoing scrutiny from regulators and lawmakers over how they balance automation with the need for driver engagement. Videos showing drivers seemingly asleep or otherwise inattentive while the software is active have periodically resurfaced as a flashpoint in the broader debate over the safety of partially automated driving systems. Congressional pressure on the DOT could potentially influence the agency's ongoing oversight of advanced driver-assistance systems, including any investigations or rulemaking related to driver-monitoring requirements.

Moomoo's report does not specify further details such as the identity of the congressman, the timeframe of the videos, or any formal response from the DOT or Tesla. As the situation develops, additional regulatory action or statements from involved parties may provide more clarity on the scope and outcome of this inquiry.

Source: Moomoo