NHTSA Initiates Investigation into Aftermarket Self-Driving Device Following Three Fatalities
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a preliminary evaluation into aftermarket driver-assistance devices manufactured by the U.S. firm Comma. This investigation follows five reported crashes involving these devices, which resulted in 14 injuries and three fatalities. The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) within NHTSA is examining the Comma Four system, specifically its potential failure to adequately detect or respond to other vehicles, particularly those that are stopped or moving slowly. Comma, founded in 2015 by George Holz, initially aimed to bring autonomous vehicle technology to the aftermarket. The company now sells its own hardware, the Comma Four, which is reportedly used by over 30,000 drivers in the U.S. and supports more than 325 models from 27 different brands. The ODI's evaluation will analyze data from each incident to assess the system's performance and the safeguards designed to ensure safe operation.
