Why did Tesla not respond to NTSB safety recommendations?

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Tesla's Non-Response to NTSB Safety Recommendations

Tesla is the only automotive manufacturer that has not officially responded to safety recommendations issued by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) concerning safeguards for its driver assistance programs. These recommendations were prompted by a fatal incident in Florida in 2016, detailed in a September 2017 NTSB report. The report concluded that Tesla's system was susceptible to misuse on roads for which it was not designed and failed to adequately detect when a driver had become disengaged.
NTSB's Recommendations and Tesla's Silence

In its 2017 report, the NTSB specifically urged Tesla to implement safeguards that would restrict the driver assistance system's use to intended roadways and to provide alerts to drivers who become disengaged. While five other automakers that received similar recommendations outlined the steps they were taking in response, NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy noted that Tesla was the sole manufacturer to have not officially replied. This lack of official response stands in contrast to the NTSB's findings, which also highlighted a second fatal crash in California in 2018 involving a Tesla vehicle on an unintended roadway with a disengaged operator.
Context of Safety Concerns

The NTSB's concerns are rooted in crash investigations that have clearly indicated the potential for misuse of Tesla's driver assistance systems, suggesting a need for design changes to ensure safety. The agency's recommendations stem from a broader effort to address the safety implications of advanced driver assistance technologies. However, the specific reasons or justifications behind Tesla's decision not to formally respond to these recommendations have not been publicly disclosed.
Investor Focus on Business Developments

Despite the safety board's criticisms, investor attention has largely been directed towards Tesla's significant business developments. This includes a substantial order from Hertz for 100,000 vehicles by the end of 2022, which contributed to Tesla surpassing US$1 trillion in market value. This business-centric focus has overshadowed the lack of formal engagement with the NTSB's safety directives, as investors have instead weighed the company's strong earnings and production ramp-up plans.

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Why did Tesla not respond to NTSB safety recommendations?

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