Tesla did not mislead the RDW (Rijksdienst voor het Wegverkeer) regarding safety data for its self-driving cars. The vehicle authority confirmed this stance today, aligning with statements from Infrastructure Minister Vincent Karremans.
Independent testing verifies safety
The RDW has permitted Tesla motorists to drive hands-free since April, though drivers must remain attentive. Earlier this week, news agency Reuters reported that Elon Musk’s company had manipulated safety statistics to gain approval. The RDW acknowledged using Tesla’s data but emphasized that inspectors also conducted independent tests. These trials allowed the agency to collect objective information before granting permission.
Currently, 40,000 Teslas use this driver-assistance system on Dutch roads. The RDW reports that these vehicles have driven a combined 24 million kilometres in the Netherlands without any major incidents.
Future expansion plans across Europe
The Netherlands is the first European nation to introduce this autonomous system. The RDW may later submit an application to the European Commission to expand the system across all European Union member states. However, the agency has not yet decided whether to proceed with that application.
Tesla is not the first car brand to deploy advanced driver-assistance systems in Europe. BMW already holds approval for hands-free motorway driving and automated lane changes. Ford BlueCruise also permits hands-free driving on motorways. The RDW considers Tesla’s system to be at least as safe as these competing technologies
@ anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
