Why no evasive maneuvers before deadly Tesla crash?
The driver of a Tesla Model 3 involved in a fatal crash in Florida earlier this year engaged the vehicle’s Autopilot1 system about 10 seconds before it collided with a truck – but did not have his hands on the steering wheel. That puzzling finding is part of the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) investigation into the incident. So is the fact that neither the driver of the Tesla nor the Autopilot system – otherwise known as an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) executed evasive maneuvers, according to preliminary data and videos.
The crash occurred on March 1 on State Highway 441 in Delray Beach, Florida. The Tesla struck a tractor-trailer that had pulled from a driveway, trying to cross its southbound lanes and turn left into the northbound lanes. According to surveillance video in the area and forward-facing video from the Tesla, the combination vehicle slowed as it crossed the southbound lanes, blocking the Tesla’s path.