Tesla misrepresented safety statistics to secure approval for its self‑driving system on Dutch roads, according to an investigation by Reuters. Researchers say the National Road Traffic Service (RDW) received misleading information as a result.
Since April, Tesla drivers in the Netherlands have been allowed to drive without their hands on the wheel, provided they remain attentive. Tesla approached the RDW in November 2024 and claimed that “increasing use” of the system would make roads safer. After more than a year of testing and consultation, the RDW approved the request.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk and other executives say the Full Self‑Driving (Supervised) system is up to ten times safer than a human driver. However, researchers told Reuters that the data behind this claim is misleading and relies on an unrealistic assumption.
The Netherlands is the first European country to introduce the system. The RDW planned to submit an application to the European Commission for wider approval across the EU. It remains unclear whether that application will go ahead.
According to the RDW, Tesla is not the only car brand offering driver assistance systems in Europe. BMW, for example, has approval for hands‑free driving on the highway with automated lane changes. Ford BlueCruise also allows hands‑free driving on the highway.
ANP has asked the RDW for a response.
@ANP | News Brainport
