Tesla’s ‘autopilot’ feature probed after fatal crash
Driver of a Model S died in Florida wreck with tractor-trailer
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened a preliminary evaluation into the fatal crash of a Tesla electric car that had its “autopilot” feature engaged at the time of the incident.
NHTSA says in its filing that the crash was reported by Tesla and that its probe, part of a process that can eventually lead to a recall, centers on the car’s selfdriving feature.
“This preliminary evaluation is being opened to examine the design and performance of any automated driving systems in use at the time of the crash,” the safety agency said in a filing.
The crash occurred when a tractor-trailer made a left turn in front of a 2015 Tesla on a highway near Williston, Fla., NHTSA said. The driver died due to injuries sustained in the accident.
Tesla says it was the first death in the crash of a Model S in 130 million miles of driving in which the self-driving feature was engaged. That compares with a death every 94 million miles in driving overall, the automaker said in a blog post. Later, CEO Elon Musk tweeted: “Our condolences for the tragic loss.”
The system is designed to allow Teslas to cruise along highways without drivers having to steer, brake or accelerate. The car is supposed to stay in its lane and stop suddenly if traffic ahead comes to a halt.
Other automakers are trying to create their own self-driving systems, making Tesla among the first to offer one.