The top U.S. automotive regulator has initiated an inquiry following a tragic incident in which a Tesla, utilizing an automated driving function, crashed into a residence in Texas, resulting in the death of a 76-year-old woman inside. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced the commencement of a special investigation into the Tesla Model 3 collision that took place near Houston last Friday. This vehicle was employing technology that the Tesla CEO, Elon Musk, views as crucial for the company’s future.
Elon Musk is unveiling robotaxis equipped with automated software in various U.S. cities this year and intends to encourage Tesla owners to integrate their vehicles into the fleet utilizing the same system nationwide. The driver involved in the crash informed the Harris County Sheriff’s Office that they were utilizing the technology; however, it remains unclear whether this technology contributed to the incident.
Video footage captured the car crashing into the home. While Tesla did not respond to requests for comment, the head of the company’s artificial intelligence division hinted on social media that the self-driving feature was not at fault. The individual stated that the driver had overridden the self-driving mode by fully depressing the accelerator pedal in a residential area.
Authorities confirmed that the driver was sober and is cooperating with the investigation. The victim, Martha Avila, was identified as the woman who tragically lost her life in the accident. The video evidence from KHOU-TV documented the car speeding across the front lawn before colliding with the home in Katy, Texas.
The NHTSA has previously conducted multiple investigations into Tesla, including one concerning 58 incidents where Teslas allegedly violated traffic laws while using self-driving technology, resulting in crashes, fires, and injuries. The agency has also looked into Tesla’s reporting practices regarding crashes. Over the past decade, the NHTSA has opened 46 special crash investigations involving Teslas utilizing self-driving or driver-assistance features, with several incidents resulting in fatalities.
While Tesla faced challenges with a decline in stock value and sales following controversies involving Musk’s political involvement, the company has since refocused its narrative on AI and robotaxis, leading to a notable increase in stock performance over the past year.