Fatal Tesla crash triggers investigation
The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is launching a preliminary investigation into the Autopilot function on the Tesla Model S following a fatal accident in Florida.
Autopilot, introduced to the Model S in October 2015, forms part of Tesla’s incremental rollout of technology to facilitate driver autonomy.
According to the company, the hardware consists of a forward radar, a forward-looking camera, 12 long-range ultrasonic sensors positioned to sense 16 feet around the car in every direction at all speeds, and a high-precision digitally-controlled electric assist braking system.
Tesla said that the accident occurred on a divided highway with Autopilot engaged when a tractor-trailer drove across the highway perpendicular to the Model S.
In a statement the company said: “Neither Autopilot nor the driver noticed the white side of the tractor trailer against a brightly lit sky, so the brake was not applied.
“The high ride height of the trailer combined with its positioning across the road and the extremely rare circumstances of the impact caused the Model S to pass under the trailer, with the bottom of the trailer impacting the windshield of the Model S.”
Register now to continue reading
Thanks for visiting The Engineer. You’ve now reached your monthly limit of news stories. Register for free to unlock unlimited access to all of our news coverage, as well as premium content including opinion, in-depth features and special reports.
Benefits of registering
-
In-depth insights and coverage of key emerging trends
-
Unrestricted access to special reports throughout the year
-
Daily technology news delivered straight to your inbox
Experts speculate over cause of Iberian power outages
The EU and UK will be moving towards using Grid Forming inverters with Energy Storage that has an inherent ability to act as a source of Infinite...