Researchers say Tesla overstated self-driving safety claim in Dutch approval process
Tesla provided self-published safety statistics to the Netherlands Vehicle Authority (RDW) as part of the approval process for its Full Self-Driving driver-assist system, while independent researchers say the figures amount to misleading marketing, according to Reuters. The Netherlands approved the system in April, becoming the first European country to authorize its use.
Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system has been available to Dutch drivers since April 10. The technology can steer, brake, and accelerate in a wide range of conditions, but drivers must remain fully attentive at all times and are prohibited from sleeping or reading while the system is active.
In a November 2024 letter to the RDW, Tesla initiated the approval process and included a link to its own safety report, stating that “increased use of the self-driving system leads to safer roads.”
After more than a year of testing and discussions, the RDW granted approval in April. Following that decision, Tesla also approached Sweden’s Transportstyrelsen seeking similar authorization and has indicated it aims for broader European approval.
Tesla has claimed its FSD system is up to 10 times safer than human drivers. Researchers cited by Reuters said this figure is inflated and based on U.S. datasets and assumptions that do not reflect real-world driving conditions.
According to those researchers, Tesla’s analysis relies on unrealistic modeling, including the assumption that every vehicle in the United States—including trucks and motorcycles—would be replaced by a Tesla equipped with self-driving software. They also said Tesla assumes each Tesla is at least seven times safer than the vehicle it replaces.
Critics further said Tesla overstates safety performance by comparing airbag-deployment crashes involving its system to broader U.S. crash statistics that include less severe incidents. They also noted that Tesla compares its vehicles with the average American car, which is significantly older and lacks newer safety technologies, skewing the comparison.
Reuters reported that the RDW declined to comment on the specific concerns raised by researchers. A spokesperson for the regulator, however, said that characterization was incorrect, stating: “We are still in the process of collecting answers to the questions from the news agency, and that takes time.” Tesla did not respond to Reuters’ requests for comment and also did not respond to RTL Z.
The approval process in the Netherlands included about 18 months of testing and evaluation by the RDW. The agency concluded that, when used correctly, the system can contribute to improved road safety. It stressed that drivers remain fully responsible at all times, must keep control of the vehicle, and are not allowed to use phones or read while driving.
The RDW also said it plans to submit an application to the European Commission to pursue broader EU-wide authorization, which would require member state approval.
The April approval made the Netherlands the first European country to permit Tesla’s supervised “Full Self-Driving” system on public roads after extended testing, with the regulator emphasizing that the technology remains a driver-assist system rather than true autonomous driving. Tesla vehicles have used similar FSD functions in the United States, though Dutch authorities said those systems are not directly comparable due to differences in software versions used across fleets.
