The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating Comma.ai after at least five crashes were linked to its hands‑free driving device. The agency said the incidents suggest the technology may be contributing to unsafe driving conditions on public roads.
Comma.ai, a startup that markets a retrofit kit enabling drivers to keep their hands off the steering wheel, has been asked to provide data and documentation regarding the device’s performance. Regulators are reviewing whether the system’s software updates and sensor integration meet federal safety standards. The retrofit kit can be installed on a wide range of vehicles, and the agency has authority to compel the company to submit detailed operational data for its assessment.
The investigation comes amid growing scrutiny of driver‑assistance features that allow hands‑free operation, with safety advocates urging stricter oversight. The outcome could impact the company’s ability to sell its product and may lead to further regulatory actions. If the NHTSA finds violations, it could order a recall, restrict sales, or require software modifications, which would affect both the company and its customers. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Comma.ai, five, hands‑free driving device are the focal points of the inquiry.
Source: Wall Street Journal US Business · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing