According to reports, Tesla’s “Full Self-Driving” feature was engaged when the vehicle was involved in a fatal crash with a motorcyclist, as confirmed by law enforcement officials.
In April, our report highlighted a devastating crash where a Tesla driver utilized “Autopilot” while failing to maintain attention, allowing his vehicle to suddenly surge forward and fatally strike a motorcyclist who was ahead of him.
The individual responsible for the incident acknowledged using the “Autopilot” feature while failing to actively monitor the vehicle’s operations.
A recent police report reveals that the Tesla involved in the incident had allegedly been utilizing the latest ‘Full Self-Driving’ technology from the manufacturer, which raises questions about its actual functionality at the time of the accident.
The driver, who failed to exhibit reasonable care, was taken into custody and charged with vehicular homicide.
A 56-year-old driver was taken into custody and charged with vehicular homicide largely due to his own incriminating statement, in which he acknowledged being distracted by his mobile phone while utilizing its built-in driver-assist feature.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has reported a second fatal incident involving Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, which was engaged at the time of the accident.
Electrek’s Take
The buck stops with the driving force. When using Tesla’s features, it is crucial to pay attention as any unexpected event may occur if you’re not fully engaged. It’s on you.
Despite concerns about misuse, I firmly believe Tesla should acknowledge the issue and take proactive steps to prevent exploitation of its technology.
Many people mistakenly believe they’re safe using these alternatives without giving them a second thought. It appears that feedback provided by Tesla’s Chief Executive Officer, as well as individuals frequently endorsed by Elon Musk, has played a significant role in this.
While it’s impossible to eliminate every risk, it’s reasonable to expect Tesla to invest more in preventing misuse of their technology. In reality, it’s a stark choice between life and potential loss of life.
