Self-driving technology has long been hailed as the future of transportation, promising convenience, reduced traffic, and fewer accidents. But in practice, the rollout of autonomous vehicles has been far from smooth—especially here in Texas.
Recently, Tesla began piloting a fleet of fully driverless “robotaxis” in Austin, sparking serious safety concerns after several incidents were caught on camera. With federal investigations underway and local residents expressing fear over this new technology, it’s clear that the road to automation is paved with risk.
At MAS Law, we’re committed to protecting our community from the dangers of emerging technologies—and that includes ensuring victims of any robotaxi-related accidents receiving the justice and compensation they deserve.
What Are Tesla Robotaxis?
In May 2025, Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced that Austin would be the first city to launch a Tesla robotaxi pilot program. These vehicles are modified Model Ys—completely driverless, equipped with Tesla’s “Full Self-Driving” (FSD) system, and operating without steering wheels or pedals.
The vehicles rely solely on cameras and artificial intelligence to navigate city streets. While they’re currently restricted to “geofenced” areas and less complex routes, the risks have already become apparent.
Robotaxi Incidents Draw Federal Scrutiny
Just days into the launch, multiple incidents involving Tesla robotaxis were caught on video—including vehicles:
- Braking unexpectedly;
- Blocking intersections; and
- Failing to yield to pedestrians
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is now reviewing Tesla’s FSD system, citing previous concerns linked to collisions, poor low-light performance, and pedestrian detection failures. This is especially troubling given Tesla’s decision to exclude radar and lidar systems—sensors that many experts believe are essential for safe autonomous driving.
Why These Vehicles Pose Serious Risks
Despite the futuristic appeal of robotaxis, the technology raises pressing safety issues:
- Limited Sensor Capabilities: Unlike other autonomous systems that use radar and lidar, Tesla’s robotaxis rely on cameras alone. This can lead to misjudgments in poor lighting, bad weather, or busy intersections.
- Inadequate Testing: Austin’s rollout is still a “pilot,” meaning these vehicles are navigating real roads without extensive public vetting or long-term performance data.
- Software Failures: Sudden stops, traffic violations, and erratic maneuvers—already documented in several videos—suggest the AI isn’t yet fully capable of replacing a human driver.
- Regulatory Gaps: Texas initially recommended delaying the rollout due to concerns on the robotaxis complying with upcoming state regulations.
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Have You Been Affected by a Tesla Robotaxi?
At MAS Law, we understand how disruptive—and frightening—it can be to experience a crash or injury involving a self-driving vehicle. Whether you were a passenger, another driver, cyclist, or pedestrian, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
Choose MAS Law to Handle Your Case
If you or someone you love has been harmed by a Tesla robotaxi or other autonomous vehicle, don’t wait. Reach out to MAS Law today for a free consultation. Our experienced car accident attorneys are here to listen, advise, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call (972) 460-9339 or contact us online today for your free consultation with a car accident attorney.
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