In April, a Tesla equipped with Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, operating as an Uber vehicle, collided with an SUV at a Las Vegas intersection. This incident has raised new safety concerns, as a growing number of Uber drivers are using their Teslas as makeshift “robotaxis” in a regulatory grey zone. The Tesla involved in the accident, driven by Justin Yoon, failed to slow down when an SUV appeared from a blind spot, resulting in a crash. Although the SUV driver was found at fault, the accident highlighted the limitations of Tesla’s FSD software, which still requires active driver supervision.
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, is set to reveal his plans for a fully autonomous robotaxi network on October 10. However, many Uber drivers are already using FSD, drawn by the promise of reduced stress and longer working hours. These drivers acknowledge the system’s imperfections but continue to rely on it, despite experiencing issues like sudden acceleration and braking.
Although Tesla’s FSD is categorized as partial automation, it operates with limited regulation compared to other self-driving companies like Waymo and Cruise, which require human backups and face strict oversight. Authorities have yet to impose specific regulations on Tesla drivers using FSD for ride-hailing services, leaving the responsibility solely on the drivers.
Uber and Lyft have responded by reminding drivers they are responsible for safety, and while there is no legal barrier preventing the use of FSD in ride-hailing, industry experts argue that increased scrutiny is needed. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has acknowledged the Las Vegas accident but has not indicated any immediate plans for new regulations.
Some drivers, like Kaz Barnes, who has completed over 2,000 rides using FSD, are hopeful for the day when they can fully rely on Tesla’s autonomous capabilities without needing to supervise the car. However, for now, concerns remain about the technology’s readiness for widespread use in ride-hailing services.
