Tesla Robotaxis Log 14 Crashes in Austin

• Fleet composition: Model Y Robotaxis operating in Austin
• Operational metrics: Approximately 700,000 cumulative paid miles through November 2025, estimated 800,000 miles by mid-January 2026
• Safety architecture: Originally deployed with safety monitors in front passenger seat; monitors removed in late January 2026
• Incident types documented: Fixed object collisions (17 mph), stationary vehicle collisions with buses, low-speed backing incidents (1-2 mph), heavy truck collision (4 mph)
• Regulatory framework: Subject to NHTSA Standing General Order (SGO) incident reporting for Automated Driving Systems (ADS)
• Service access: Hailing via Tesla Robotaxi app; initially pilot program, expanded to general public in Austin

Tesla's accelerated deployment of driverless robotaxis despite a crash rate 4 times higher than human drivers creates significant regulatory and liability exposure. NHTSA's active investigation could result in mandatory fleet modifications or service suspension if safety defects are determined. The company's decision to remove safety monitors while maintaining elevated crash rates contradicts industry safety practices and may prompt stricter federal oversight of autonomous vehicle deployments. Competitor programs (such as Waymo) operating with established safety protocols may gain regulatory advantage. The incident raises questions about the viability of rapid autonomous vehicle scaling without achieving human-level safety benchmarks, potentially influencing investor confidence and industry timelines for full autonomy deployment.