Authorities Determine Autopilot in Use
Virginia authorities have concluded that a Tesla operating on its Autopilot system was speeding and collided with a crossing tractor-trailer in July, resulting in the death of the Tesla driver, Pablo Teodoro III. This incident marks the third fatal crash involving a Tesla vehicle using Autopilot since 2016. The tragic accidents have raised concerns regarding the safety of the partially automated system and where it should be allowed to operate. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is currently investigating the incident and has been conducting a broader probe of Autopilot for over two years.
Autopilot Detection and Driver Response
According to the Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office, an analysis of the vehicle’s event-data recorder confirmed the use of Autopilot on Teodoro’s Tesla Model Y. The vehicle was traveling at 70 mph on U.S. 29 near Opal, which exceeded the 45-mph speed limit in the area. One second before impact, Teodoro initiated an action that may have deactivated the Autopilot system. Although it remains unclear what specific action was taken by Teodoro, the brakes were applied, reducing the vehicle’s speed. The Tesla issued a warning to the driver before the crash, indicating an obstruction in its path; however, neither the car’s Automatic Emergency Braking nor Teodoro was able to prevent the collision.
Legal Implications and Investigation
According to the statement from the Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office, an accident investigator’s analysis indicated that Teodoro had sufficient time and distance to avoid the crash if he had been traveling at the speed limit. Initially, the truck driver involved was charged with reckless driving for obstructing traffic; however, the charge was dropped at the request of the Sheriff’s Office. Under Virginia law, if a driver exceeds the speed limit, they forfeit the right-of-way. The NHTSA and other agencies continue to investigate similar crashes involving Tesla vehicles operating on automated driving systems, including incidents in South Lake Tahoe, California, and Halifax County, North Carolina.
Concerns and Call for Restrictions
In October 2021, the Chairwoman of the National Transportation Safety Board urged Tesla to limit the operational areas for Autopilot and implement a more robust system to ensure driver attentiveness. The agency’s investigation of a previous crash involving a semi in 2016 revealed that Tesla’s vehicles were operating on Autopilot in areas where it was not designed to function safely. Tesla, in response, stated that safety is enhanced when Autopilot is engaged. The NHTSA is yet to release the findings of its extensive investigations into Tesla crash incidents.