Key facts
- NHTSA is investigating Comma.ai's driver assistance devices.
- Five crashes, including two fatal ones, have been reported involving the technology.
- Three people have died and 11 have been injured.
- The probe will assess the system's ability to detect stopped vehicles.
- Some incidents may have involved modified versions of Comma.ai's software.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened a preliminary investigation into Comma.ai's aftermarket driver assistance devices, following five reported crashes, including two fatal incidents. The probe, initiated on September 21, will examine whether the technology adequately detected or responded to slow-moving or stopped vehicles in its lane. Across the five incidents, three people have died and 11 have been injured. The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) noted that the Comma systems were engaged in multiple crashes and that some vehicles may have been using modified versions, known as 'forks,' of Comma.ai's open-source software. Comma.ai, founded by George Hotz, offers devices that bring advanced driver-assistance features to over 325 car models, with its website stating the system can steer, accelerate, and brake, but emphasizes drivers must remain alert and ready to take control. One reported crash in Louisiana in February involved a Toyota RAV4 reportedly using a third-party fork of Comma.ai's software, which struck a stopped police vehicle, resulting in two passenger deaths.