tech
Tesla driver who blamed crash on autopilot pressed accelerator 100%, NTSB finds
NTSB findings back Elon Musk’s claim that driver manually overrode FSD.
TL;DR
- NTSB preliminary findings confirm the driver manually overrode Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) system.
- Electronic data shows the driver pressed the accelerator to 100% prior to the fatal crash.
- Elon Musk had previously disputed claims that autopilot was engaged, stating the crash was high-speed.
- The driver was working for DoorDash at the time of the crash and reportedly told police he "passed out".
- Google searches on the driver's phone indicated dissatisfaction with FSD's perceived lack of aggression.
- The crash resulted in the death of 76-year-old Martha Avila.
- The driver has been charged with manslaughter and faces a lawsuit from Avila's family.
- The family's lawsuit also alleges potential Tesla defects, such as "Sudden Unintended Acceleration".
- The NTSB and NHTSA are continuing their investigations to determine the probable cause.