Federal Probe Clears Tesla's Self-Driving Software in Fatal Texas Crash

Federal safety investigators have determined that a Tesla's self-driving feature was not responsible for a crash that resulted in the death of a 76-year-old woman in Katy, Texas. The investigation revealed that the driver had pressed the accelerator to full speed, overriding the self-driving software.

According to a report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the driver claimed to have the self-driving feature activated. However, the findings indicate that he had taken control of the vehicle by accelerating hard just before the incident. The Tesla Model 3 subsequently sped down a residential street at highway speeds, crashing into a brick home and causing the fatality.

This incident, which occurred last month, has attracted significant media attention, especially as Tesla CEO Elon Musk is working to assure the public of the safety of the company's self-driving technology. Musk is also preparing for the introduction of fully automatic vehicles and Cybercabs that lack traditional steering wheels and pedals.

The NTSB's report comes amid a broader investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which has recently escalated its scrutiny of Tesla's self-driving features. The NHTSA has been examining 58 incidents where Tesla vehicles reportedly failed to alert drivers to take control in adverse conditions, leading to numerous accidents and injuries.

In total, the NHTSA is conducting 46 special crash investigations related to Tesla's self-driving technology, with several incidents resulting in fatalities. The agency's ongoing investigations raise concerns about the safety and reliability of the self-driving features.

Initially branded as Full Self-Driving, the technology has faced criticism for potentially misleading consumers about its capabilities, prompting Tesla to rebrand it as Full Self-Driving (Supervised).

Footage from the crash shows the Tesla traveling at over 70 mph before it jumped a curb and crashed into the home, where the victim, Martha Avila, was located. She was transported to a hospital but unfortunately succumbed to her injuries.

Despite challenges in sales attributed to boycotts related to Musk's political views, Tesla's stock has seen a 22% increase over the past year, as the company shifts focus towards technological advancements.

Reported by HarborBeat based on WMAR-2 News (source).