NHTSA investigates Comma.ai driver tech after 2 fatal crashes

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a federal investigation into Comma.ai, a startup founded by George Hotz, after five reported crashes involving its aftermarket hands-off driver assistance technology. Two of these incidents resulted in fatalities, with a total of three deaths and 11 injuries across four of the crashes. The investigation by the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) will scrutinize the technology's performance, specifically its alleged failure to detect or respond to slow or stopped vehicles in the same lane. The ODI noted that some of the crashes, including at least one fatal incident, might have involved the use of modified or 'forked' versions of Comma.ai's software. Comma.ai, which was founded in 2015, develops devices and software called 'openpilot' that can control a car's adaptive cruise control and automated lane centering systems, aiming to offer functions similar to Tesla Autopilot and GM Super Cruise. The company's website states that while openpilot can steer, accelerate, and brake automatically, drivers must remain capable of immediately retaking manual control. One of the fatal crashes reportedly occurred in February 2026 in Louisiana, involving a 2022 Toyota RAV4 running FrogPilot, a third-party fork of openpilot, which struck a stopped first responder vehicle. Louisiana State Police details of a February crash appear to match the NHTSA report, indicating two rear-seat passengers in the Toyota died.