When Tesla first unveiled its astounding and sleek technology, people were enthralled by the revolutionary and futuristic function and appearance of the product. The development of their autopilot technology has taken the auto industry by storm and has introduced new and exciting possibilities. However, people in New Jersey and around the nation are questioning its overall safety after accidents where the autopilot technology was engaged, appear to continue to happen.
In a recent accident that happened in Florida, the entire top of a Tesla was shaved off after driving directly under a large commercial truck that was crossing the highway. The driver was killed in the accident that resurfaced concerns that people originally voiced after a similar accident a few years back when another driver was killed after the autopilot mode appeared to have failed to detect an obstruction.
The accident investigation suggested that the driver in the most recent incident had only engaged the autopilot mode a mere 8 seconds before the impact occurred. While it is possible that the driver could have immediately looked away, it is unlikely that the driver was completely unaware of the truck crossing the road. While Tesla tout’s safety as a priority and also encourages drivers to exercise caution, vigilance and responsibility while using the autopilot mode, there are still ongoing concerns about the safety of the technology after it appears to have been a contributing factor to a number of accidents around the nation.
If people have been hurt in an automobile accident and need help to tell their story and build a case, they can benefit from working with a legal professional. Utilizing facts and evidence from the case, attorneys can help to organize information in a manner that is both honest and compelling.
Source: Forbes, “Tesla Autopilot Repeats Fatal Crash; Do They Learn From Past Mistakes?,” Brad Templeton, May, 17, 2019