Tesla in self-driving mode hits and kills pedestrian on California freeway

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 23 Oct, 08:02 · Archive

A Tesla travelling at 112km/h hit and killed a 71-year-old man on a California freeway, with the driver claiming the car was in full self-driving mode.

A Tesla travelling at 112km/h struck and killed a 71-year-old man on a California freeway on Thursday night. The 26-year-old driver told investigators that the car was operating in full self-driving mode at the time. A pedestrian was walking from the right shoulder towards the centre divider when struck.

Footage reviewed by investigators showed the Tesla applying brakes and swerving left to avoid the man, but it was too late. The right front of the vehicle struck the pedestrian. The man was then hit by at least one other vehicle while lying in the traffic lanes. Emergency services attended but he died at the scene. The Tesla driver remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators, though other motorists involved drove away. Investigators have not established why the man was crossing the busy freeway in the middle of the night.

The collision occurs as Tesla's full self-driving system faces renewed scrutiny. Earlier in the week, a 22-year-old driver claimed to have been asleep while operating the system, resulting in a collision with a police cruiser that seriously injured two officers.

How it is being reported

• Tesla in self-driving mode kills 71-year-old pedestrian at 112km/h on California freeway in dead of nightA Tesla travelling at 112km/h has hit and killed a 71-year-old man, with the driver claiming the car was in full self-driving mode when it ploughed into the pedestrian in the dead of night.The West Australian · 23 Oct, 07:28
• Tesla in self-driving mode kills 71-year-old pedestrian at 112km/h on California freeway in dead of nightA Tesla travelling at 112km/h has hit and killed a 71-year-old man, with the driver claiming the car was in full self-driving mode when it ploughed into the pedestrian in the dead of night.Perth Now · 23 Oct, 07:28

In this story: Tesla · California · California Highway Patrol

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