Tesla robotaxis face scrutiny after erratic driving behavior in Austin test

Tesla’s self-driving ‘robotaxis’ are under investigation after several videos surfaced showing erratic behavior, including sudden braking and driving on the wrong side of the road. The videos, which emerged after testing in Austin, Texas, highlight concerns over the safety of Tesla’s self-driving cars, particularly as the company moves closer to introducing them for commercial use. The tests, which began on Sunday, marked the first time Tesla vehicles without human drivers have carried paying passengers. While a human ‘safety monitor’ is present in the front seat, it remains unclear if intervention was necessary during the incidents. One video shows a Tesla in a left-turn-only lane going straight through an intersection and briefly veering into the wrong lane. Another clip shows a robotaxi making sudden, hard stops in response to flashing lights from parked police cars. Despite these issues, some social media videos show the cars operating normally and receiving positive reviews. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating the incidents, with Tesla remaining silent so far. The investigation adds to a growing list of regulatory concerns regarding Tesla’s autonomous driving technology, including a previous investigation into accidents in low-visibility conditions. With competition from companies like Waymo, Tesla’s vision for widespread robotaxis faces mounting pressure.