NHTSA launches an investigation into Tesla’s fatal crash in California

According to sources, Tesla’s Model 3 has caused a fatal accident in Los Angeles, California and the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is planning on conducting an investigation into the matter.

The crash occurred on December 29th, and the automobile safety regulation authority has claimed that it is the 12th crash that may have been caused by the vehicle’s special built-in autopilot feature. Sources reveal that earlier in December, a Tesla Model 3 reversed into a still police car, owing to the use of the Autopilot feature.

However, the NHTSA has not confirmed whether autopilot was also the main cause of this accident.

Tesla’ Autopilot Kills Two In California Crash

The unfortunate accident took place in Los Angeles County, specifically in Gardena. A news channel explained that the vehicle was on the 91 Freeway and exited in Gardena. The vehicle then speedily violated a red light and slammed into another vehicle, killing two people.

The other vehicle was a Honda Civic, Model 2006.

There were also two occupants in the Tesla, both of which were slightly injured and are hospitalized, but neither is severely hurt, as per the police.

Tesla has not commented on the incident yet.

Autopilot’s advanced technology allows the driver to minimally be involved in steering or guiding the vehicle. However, since 2016, three crashes involving Tesla vehicles were caused by the use of Autopilot. In 2018, a crash in Culver City led the National Transportation Safety Board into claiming that autopilot’s design did not provide necessary safety measures or safety control as the driver is allowed to remain inattentive for an extended period of time.

Tesla Urges Drivers To Keep Their Undivided Attention On The Road

Although the feature is specifically built to provide more ease for drivers, Tesla and the NHTSA urge the driver to keep his/her hands on the steering wheel and give the road their undivided attention. Tesla has said that the feature only allows automatic braking, steering, and acceleration in the lane that the vehicle is in but does not mean that the driver can fully be uninvolved.

However, as the feature has been prevalent for quite some time, it is a favorite amongst drivers who claim that they can sit at ease without their hands on the steering wheel for a considerable time. Worried that this may also encourage or cause drivers to fall asleep behind the wheel U.S. Senator Ed Markey suggested that the Autopilot feature be retracted or temporarily disconnected.

He stressed that there was a need for additional safety measures so that drivers do not begin to take advantage of the feature and expect it to exceed its capabilities, resulting in more accidents.

Reports have confirmed that a number of crashes involving Tesla vehicles are currently under investigation.