NHTSA Investigates Comma.ai Technology Following Fatal Accidents

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into Comma.ai's aftermarket driver assistance technology following five reported traffic accidents. Three of these incidents resulted in fatalities, and four others caused injuries to up to 11 people, some seriously.

According to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), the accidents involved Comma.ai devices failing to detect slow-moving or stopped vehicles in the same lane and not responding in time. The ODI noted that some incidents may have involved "forked" or modified versions of the company's software, with at least one fatal crash potentially falling into this category.

Comma.ai, founded by hacker George Hotz, produces devices and software (openpilot) that can be retrofitted to vehicles to control adaptive cruise control and lane centering. While the company aims to make driving easier, it warns drivers must remain ready to take immediate manual control. Comma.ai and Hotz have not yet responded to requests for comment.

The ability of Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) to handle stationary or slow-moving vehicles has been a long-standing challenge in the industry. Both Tesla and Ford have faced similar investigations concerning their driver assistance systems. Comma.ai's own website acknowledges that its openpilot adaptive cruise control performance may be affected by "non-moving vehicles in the same lane."