Tesla Braces for Its First Autopilot Fatality Case
Tesla is bracing for its first legal case involving a fatal Autopilot crash. Joshua Brown, a Florida man, was using Tesla’s autopilot system when his Model S sedan collided with a tractor trailer in 2016, killing him. The incident sparked an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration which found that the Autopilot system did not detect the truck crossing the highway and consequently Brown did not react quickly enough to avoid the accident.
Teslas’ Autopilot system is meant to be a driver assistance program that complements a human driver behind the wheel and not supersede it. Though the company has stated that the system can ease driver’s fatigue, Tesla also currently strongly discourages hands-free driving and provides warnings throughout the Autopilot program.
After the investigation, the Florida family is now in the process of filing a wrongful death lawsuit against the car maker as a result of the accident. Brown’s family is seeking to hold Tesla accountable and to raise public awareness about the dangers of self-driving technology.
Tesla’s Autopilot system has been found to have flaws, but despite the possible issues it caused in Brown’s crash, the company continues to affirm its dedication to perfecting self-driving technology and providing its customers with the safest and most advanced vehicles. Tesla’s Autopilot system has been credited with saving several other lives throughout the years, so it is clear that the company believes in its product’s reliability.
Regardless, Tesla must now confront the trial as a sign of accountability to their customers. The company has yet to disclose any information on the case, or if they have any plans to settle out of court. Tesla faces the possibility of financial damages, legal fees, and a significant hit to their reputation regardless of the verdict.
The case being taken against Tesla is a concerning step for the future of self-driving technology, and one that the company is taking seriously. The trial is set to begin in a few months, and while the outcome remains to be seen, Tesla is adamant about proving its commitment to trustworthiness and safety in the driver’s seat.