Sudden speed changes carry many risks for drivers and can result in a serious Maryland car accident. Sudden braking is a type of harsh driving that can put motorists at higher risk for a crash caused by overheating and wear and tear on tires. Most drivers can modify their behavior and reduce these dangerous events. However, the story is different for those operating driverless vehicles, such as Teslas. The driver may maintain little control over the circumstances leading to an accident in these cases.
Recently, federal auto-safety regulators began a preliminary investigation into sudden braking by advanced driver-assistance systems in Tesla vehicles. The investigation primarily focuses on 2021 and 2022 Tesla Model 3 sedans sold in the United States. A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report documents over 350 consumer complaints over the previous nine months. Consumers reported that their Tesla’s suddenly braked when there were no road hazards. The claims explain that their vehicles “unexpectedly apply its brakes” while traveling at highway speeds. For many, the rapid deceleration occurred randomly, without warning, and repeatedly.
This latest concern only joins many other issues the car manufacturer has confronted over the past few years. Earlier this year, Tesla recalled over 50,000 vehicles equipped with the manufacturer’s “full self-driving software.” The recall was in response to reports that cars were rolling through intersections and stop signs without stopping. The company recalled the vehicles to disable this dangerous feature. Moreover, the company faces another investigation into its Autopilot system and a recall to correct a brake defect. Finally, the company agreed to disable a feature that allows front passengers and drivers to play video games while the car is in motion.