SEATTLE (AP) — A Tesla that may have been operating on the company’s Autopilot driving system hit and killed a motorcyclist near Seattle, raising questions about whether a recent recall went far enough to ensure Tesla drivers using Autopilot pay attention to the road.
After the crash Friday in a suburban area about 15 miles (24 kilometers) northeast of the city, the driver of a 2022 Tesla Model S told a Washington State Patrol trooper that he was using Autopilot and looked at his cellphone while the Tesla was moving.
“The next thing he knew there was a bang and the vehicle lurched forward as it accelerated and collided with the motorcycle in front of him,” the trooper wrote in a probable-cause document.
The 56-year-old driver was arrested for investigation of vehicular homicide “based on the admitted inattention to driving, while on Autopilot mode, and the distraction of the cell phone while moving forward, putting trust in the machine to drive for him,” the affidavit said.
Xi leaves for state visits to France, Serbia, Hungary
Lithuania elections: Incumbent president Nausėda wins first round of election
Whoa Nelly! Rose Zhang wins Founders Cup to end Korda’s record
Childish Gambino announces first tour in 5 years, releases reimagined 2020 album with new songs
Israel announces reopening of Kerem Shalom crossing with Gaza
Violent protests continue in Pakistan
Lok Sabha elections 2024: Voters across 96 constituencies cast vote in fourth round
Election 2024: Trump is in no rush to pick his potential vice president
South Africa elections 2024: What you need to know
Lok Sabha elections 2024: Voters across 96 constituencies cast vote in fourth round
Israel intensifies offensive in Gaza, strikes 120 sites: army
Sam Rubin, beloved LA entertainment anchor and interviewer, dies at 64