Feds probe Tesla crash that killed motorcyclist in Utah

Since 2016, NHTSA has opened 38 particular investigations of crashes involving Tesla automobiles and the place superior driver help methods corresponding to Autopilot have been suspected of getting used.
REUTERS

The Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration mentioned Tuesday it has opened a particular investigation into the crash of a 2020 Tesla Mannequin 3 car that killed a motorcyclist in Utah.

The driving force of a Tesla in a crash Sunday that fatally injured a bike rider advised police the car was utilizing Autopilot, a complicated driver help system that handles some driving duties.

Since 2016, NHTSA has opened 38 particular investigations of crashes involving Tesla automobiles and the place superior driver help methods corresponding to Autopilot have been suspected of getting used. A complete of 19 crash deaths have been reported in these Tesla-related investigations, together with the newest deadly Utah crash.

The Utah Division of Public Security mentioned on Sunday, a Harley Davidson bike was touring within the excessive occupancy lane southbound on I-15 close to Draper, Utah at 1:09 a.m. when a Tesla collided with the again of the bike, which threw the rider from the bike. The 34-year-old motorcyclist rider suffered deadly accidents and died on the scene.

DPS mentioned “the driving force suggested he had the Autopilot setting on” and didn't see the motorcyclist.”

Final week, NHTSA mentioned it opened a particular investigation into the crash of a 2021 Tesla Mannequin Y car that killed a motorcyclist in California. Media experiences mentioned a 48-year-old motorcyclist was killed on July 7 after a collision with a 2021 Tesla Mannequin Y on the Riverside Freeway in California.

NHTSA usually opens greater than 100 particular crash investigations yearly into rising applied sciences and different potential auto questions of safety which have, as an illustration, beforehand helped to develop security guidelines on air luggage.

Tesla, which has disbanded its press workplace, didn't reply to a request for remark.

In June, NHTSA upgraded its defect investigation into 830,000 Tesla automobiles with Autopilot, a required step earlier than it might search a recall.