Tesla Robotaxi Crashes: Remote Drivers Implicated

Tesla has released new details concerning 17 robotaxi incidents that took place between July 2025 and March 2026. In at least two of these occurrences, human employees acting as remote drivers are suspected of causing the crashes. Both incidents happened in Austin, Texas, while safety monitors were present in the vehicles, which were unoccupied by passengers.

These crashes, occurring at speeds under 10 miles per hour, involved remote workers taking control of the vehicles. In one instance, a remote driver maneuvered the car into a metal fence after a safety monitor requested assistance. In another, the car struck a construction barricade. These events highlight the critical, yet complex, role of remote human operators in overseeing autonomous vehicle operations.

While all U.S. self-driving operators utilize remote teams, Tesla's approach of frequently allowing direct remote driving differs from other companies. Safety advocates express concerns regarding the challenges of remote driving, including connectivity issues and the need for remote operators to have a comprehensive understanding of the vehicle's surroundings.

Tesla's robotaxi service is currently operational in Austin, Dallas, and Houston, Texas, deploying fewer than 100 vehicles. This service operates alongside CEO Elon Musk's stated focus on autonomous vehicles and robotics, which is also tied to his potential compensation.