In a tragic incident that has raised concerns about the safety and effectiveness of Tesla’s Autopilot driving system, a Tesla vehicle operating on Autopilot struck and killed a motorcyclist in a suburb just outside of Seattle. The incident has sparked questions about whether a recent recall by Tesla went far enough to ensure that drivers using Autopilot remain attentive to the road.
The collision occurred on Friday in a suburban area approximately 15 miles northeast of Seattle. According to a Washington State Patrol trooper, the driver of a 2022 Tesla Model S admitted to using Autopilot and looking at his cellphone while the vehicle was in motion.
According to the trooper’s probable-cause document, the driver stated that “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 56-year-old driver was subsequently arrested for investigation of vehicular homicide.
The affidavit further stated that the driver’s arrest was based on his “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 driver informed the trooper that he was driving home from lunch when the crash occurred at approximately 3:45 p.m.
This incident adds to the ongoing debate surrounding Tesla’s Autopilot feature and its potential impact on driver attention and safety. Tesla has faced criticism in the past for marketing its Autopilot system as a “self-driving” feature, despite the requirement for drivers to remain alert and ready to take control of the vehicle at any time.
In response to the incident, Tesla has reiterated its stance that drivers must remain attentive and ready to intervene while using Autopilot. The company has also emphasized that Autopilot is designed to assist drivers and is not intended to replace human drivers.
