Authorities are investigating Comma AI’s hands-off driving technology after two fatal crashes involving vehicles using Comma’s driver-assistance devices. Multiple reports say the inquiry includes incidents in which drivers may have been using unofficial (“forked”) versions of Comma’s software rather than the official releases.
The investigation is tied to questions about how the system behaves in real-world conditions, including whether it can reliably detect hazards such as stopped vehicles. Business Insider reports that the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened a probe into the devices. TechCrunch similarly notes that the investigation covers at least some crashes that appear connected to altered software versions.
While both outlets agree the fatal crashes prompt scrutiny of the hands-off feature, they differ in emphasis: TechCrunch focuses more on the role of forked software in some cases, whereas Business Insider centers on NHTSA’s stated concerns about the technology’s detection performance, particularly regarding stopped cars.
