DETROIT — The U.S. government has initiated an investigation into Tesla’s “Full Self-Driving” feature following multiple reports of crashes occurring in conditions with limited visibility, along with a tragic incident resulting in a pedestrian’s death.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched this inquiry in light of various incidents that raised concerns about the safety of the self-driving technology employed by Tesla. According to early information, the investigations will assess how the system performs under specific challenging conditions, particularly where visibility is compromised.

Authorities are particularly focused on incidents where the vehicle’s automated system may have failed to appropriately react to immediate on-road circumstances, raising questions about its reliability and effectiveness. As part of the probe, the NHTSA will collect data on over a dozen crashes involving Tesla’s autonomous driving technology. This move comes amidst increased scrutiny over the effectiveness and safety of self-driving vehicles in general.

In recent years, Tesla has consistently pushed boundaries in the development of autonomous driving technology, promising numerous software updates to improve performance. However, these incidents have cast a spotlight on the potential risks associated with deploying such advanced systems prior to receiving full regulatory approval.

Regulators are now examining the implications of these technologies in real-world scenarios where unforeseen factors, such as adverse weather and nighttime conditions, can complicate driving. Community safety concerns continue to rise as investigations unfold, emphasizing the importance of rigorous testing and validation before such technologies can be deemed safe for widespread use.

The investigation’s outcomes may have significant ramifications for Tesla and the broader industry, potentially influencing regulatory policies related to autonomous vehicles. As the situation develops, further analysis will likely emerge to better understand how self-driving technology can evolve to meet safety standards.