Officials said a Tesla Model 3 was operating on Autopilot when it was involved in a deadly car accident on a Southern California freeway last week. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is currently looking into the fatal crash that happened in Fontana in San Bernardino County, according to an ABC news report. The incident is the 29th case involving a Tesla to which the safety regulator has responded.
Involvement of Autopilot
A 35-year-old man was killed when his Tesla Model 3 struck an overturned semi on a freeway early morning on May 5. The electric vehicle struck another man who was helping the semi’s driver out of the wreck, causing serious injuries. The California Highway Patrol announced that the car had been operating Tesla’s semi-automated driving system called Autopilot, which has come under scrutiny in a number of crashes. The Fontana crash marks at least the fourth U.S. death involving the Autopilot.
CHP officials said they usually don’t comment on ongoing investigations but felt the need to do so because of the high level of interest in Tesla vehicle crashes. They reminded drivers that driving is a complex task that requires a driver’s full attention.
This investigation comes just after the CHP arrested another man who authorities have said was in the back seat of a Tesla driving on Interstate 80 near Oakland without anyone behind the wheel. Officials have not determined if the vehicle was on Autopilot or “Full Self Driving.” Tesla is allowing a limited number of owners to test its automated system. Tesla has not made any comments on the Southern California fatal crash.
Serious Concerns About Safety
The fact that NHTSA is now involved in 29 separate investigations around Autopilot is cause for serious concern. Clearly, drivers have not heeded the message to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road—even when Autopilot engages. It has also become evident that Tesla doesn’t have sufficient safeguards to prevent drivers from misusing the Autopilot feature.
Our best-rated Los Angeles auto defect attorneys have been closely following this issue and repeatedly raised concerns about the red flags these types of incidents raise. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Tesla Autopilot crash, you may be able to receive compensation for your injuries, damages, and losses. You must contact an experienced auto defect lawyer to understand your legal rights and options better.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/officials-tesla-fatal-california-crash-autopilot-77694171
