Tesla Model S involved in fatal crash in Washington, D.C. was using autonomous driving mode

A fatal accident that occurred in Washington, D.C. earlier this year that claimed the life of a motorcyclist was caused by a Tesla vehicle that was in Full Self Driving mode.

Here's What We Know

According to the Associated Press, Washington State Patrol investigators have confirmed that the 2022 Tesla Model S involved in the fatal crash in April was using an autonomous driving system, as determined by data from the car's event recorder.

The Tesla driver admitted to being inattentive to the road and distracted by his phone, trusting the car to steer. The car crashed into the rear of the motorbike, pinning the 28-year-old motorcyclist underneath the car. Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene of the crash.

Tesla has two partial automation systems, Full Self-Driving and Autopilot. The former can perform many tasks on city streets, while the latter keeps the car in its lane and avoids obstacles. However, the company emphasises that neither system can fully replace the driver and a person must be ready to take control at any moment.

Tesla CEO Ilon Musk has said Full Self-Driving will be able to operate without human supervision by the end of the year, but admitted his predictions about the system were too optimistic.

Source: Associated Press