Home / Technology / Comma.ai Under Fire: Driver Assist Crashes Kill Three
Comma.ai Under Fire: Driver Assist Crashes Kill Three
23 Sep
Summary
- NHTSA investigates Comma.ai driver assistance tech after five crashes.
- Two crashes involving the technology resulted in three fatalities.
- Some crashes may have involved modified versions of Comma.ai's software.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into Comma.ai, a company founded by George Hotz, due to five reported crashes involving its aftermarket driver assistance technology. These incidents include two fatal crashes that resulted in three deaths, with 11 people injured across four of the reported events.
The NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation is examining allegations that Comma devices failed to detect or respond to vehicles stopped in the same lane. Investigations suggest that at least one fatal crash and other incidents may have involved the use of 'forked' or modified versions of Comma.ai's 'openpilot' software.
Comma.ai, established in 2015, develops systems that control Adaptive Cruise Control and Automated Lane Centering, aiming to simplify driving. Despite warnings for drivers to remain attentive and ready to take manual control, a February 2026 crash in Louisiana involved a vehicle running a third-party fork of openpilot and struck a stopped first responder vehicle, resulting in two passenger fatalities.
As of the reporting date, Comma.ai has not issued a comment on the investigation. George Hotz, who stepped back from daily operations in 2022, also has not responded to requests for comment regarding the ongoing probe.
