
First Glitch for Tesla's Robotaxi: A Safety Scare Unfolds!
2025-06-26
Author: Ting
Tesla's Robotaxi Faces First Safety Incident in Austin
In a stunning twist just after its launch, Tesla's Robotaxi service has reported its first safety concern in Austin, as revealed by the city's autonomous vehicle incident dashboard.
The incident occurred on June 22, coinciding with the launch date, along East Oltorf Street in the bustling downtown area of Austin.
The report was filed by noted Tesla critic Edward Niedermeyer, who shared alarming footage on YouTube. The video depicted a Tesla vehicle abruptly braking not once, but twice, for stationary police cars that were outside its intended driving path.
As speculation grows, both Niedermeyer and Tesla's representatives have yet to comment on the incident. It raises questions about the safety of autonomous vehicles—especially as the dashboard continues to track a variety of concerns including collisions and close calls with other self-driving services like Waymo and Zoox.
Understanding the Dashboard: What Does It Track?
Austin’s dashboard content relies on reports from local departments and a 311 service hotline, meaning the data collected may not encompass every incident across the city. With 120 incidents logged in the last two years, including 45 just in 2025, the potential for unnoticed hazards is real.
A spokesperson for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has previously stated their office is monitoring Tesla’s autonomous vehicles, hinting at ongoing scrutiny.
What’s Next for Tesla's Robotaxi Service?
Despite this initial hiccup, Tesla is pressing on with its Robotaxi service, which was rolled out to a limited number of users. CEO Elon Musk has teased that the launch would commence with only 10 to 20 robotaxis.
Currently, each Robotaxi ride includes a safety monitor in the passenger seat and remote operators prepared to intervene as necessary, showcasing Tesla's commitment to safety, even in the face of this incident.
As Tesla continues to steer towards a fully autonomous future, all eyes will be on how they address these early challenges.