US Lawmaker Urges NHTSA Investigation into Tesla Driver Monitoring Following Sleeping Incidents

US Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi has called on the Department of Transportation and NHTSA to investigate Tesla's Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) driver attention monitoring systems. The request comes after reports surfaced of drivers intentionally sleeping while relying on the software during vehicle operation. The inquiry highlights persistent safety risks and regulatory scrutiny around automated driving systems, where drivers over-rely on automation despite mandatory oversight rules. If regulators deem Tesla's monitoring systems ineffective, it could lead to forced software recalls and stricter industry standards for in-cabin driver monitoring. Interviewed drivers revealed that Tesla's cabin camera monitoring could be bypassed simply by wearing sunglasses or regular eyeglasses. Representative Krishnamoorthi requested NHTSA crash data specifically involving drowsy drivers using driver-assist software and urged regulators to assess if defects exist that necessitate a recall.