NHTSA opens investigation into fatal Tesla-involved crash
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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administrationâs (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) announced yet another investigation into Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) autopilot issues on Monday.
The new special investigation will review a 2021 crash involving a Tesla Model Y and a motorcyclist that resulted in the death of the latter. The new inquiry adds to heightened scrutiny on the automakerâs autopilot system and driver assistance features as of late. For example, special crash investigations were recently launched into fatal crashes in both California and Florida.
Earlier this summer, the upgrade of an investigation into the growing number of crashes was announced. 
âThe investigation opening was motivated by an accumulation of crashes in which Tesla vehicles, operating with Autopilot engaged, struck stationary in-road or roadside first responder vehicles tending to pre-existing collision scenes,â an investigation document from the agency stated. âUpon opening the investigation, NHTSA indicated that the PE would also evaluate additional similar circumstance crashes of Tesla vehicles operating with Autopilot engaged, as well as assess the technologies and methods used to monitor, assist, and enforce the driverâs engagement with the dynamic driving task during Autopilot operation.â
The agency indicated it will specifically âexplore the degree to which Autopilot and associated Tesla systems may exacerbate human factors or behavioral safety risksâ by offering a false sense of security to drivers.
According to the Associated Press, recent investigations have elevated the risk of recalls for the Austin-based EV manufacturer. 
Read more on recent analyst assessments of the automaker ahead of earnings.