Fatal Tesla Model S Autopilot Crash Investigation Concludes With No Recall
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has concluded its investigation into a fatal crash in a Tesla Model S and no recall has been ordered.
The investigation was initiated by the death of Joshua Brown, a 40-year old man killed when his Model S hit a tractor trailer at a highway intersection while the car’s Autopilot system was turned on. Tesla CEO Elon Musk said after the accident that the car tuned out the large white side of the truck because it looked like an overhead road sign. The Model S does this to avoid false braking events.
It is also alleged that the driver of the Model S may have been watching a movie at the time of the crash. Tesla clearly states that while Autopilot is engaged the system “requires you to keep your hands on the steering wheel at all times,” and that the driver must “maintain control and responsibility for the vehicle.”
SEE ALSO: Tesla’s Autopilot Will Now Follow the Speed Limits Off the Highway
Tesla has since updated Autopilot making the alerts for drivers to put their hands back on the wheel more insistent while also putting penalties in place for those who do not comply with the alerts. Improvements have also been made to help the Autopilot system see and identify objects and vehicles more accurately.
More info will be added after NHTSA releases its findings. Watch this post for updates.
[Source: Reuters]
Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>
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