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Tesla is back under US federal government control over a Tesla vehicle crashing into a semitrailer trailer in Detroit.
In 2016, Joshua Brown, 45, died in a collision with a truck while using the autopilot of his Tesla Model S in Florida.
The crash was highly publicized as the first fatal crash in a Tesla using autopilot.
Neither Brown nor Autopilot were able to see the trailer of a truck crossing the highway, and the car ended up passing under the trailer. The autopilot traveled a significant distance before stopping.
This sparked a federal investigation into Tesla’s autopilot system, and ultimately the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) closed its investigation without finding a fault or issuing a recall.
Another similar crash happened in a Model 3 in 2019.
We now learn of a third that happened in Detroit last week. This time it wasn’t fatal, but it caused serious injury to both people in the Tesla.
According to the accident report, the Tesla crashed into the trailer of a semi-truck and the front half of the electric car became lodged under the trailer.
At this time, it is not known whether the vehicle was using autopilot, but the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has announced that it has opened an investigation.
As we’ve previously reported, the NTSB has often looked at Tesla’s crashes and often criticized the automaker for its autopilot functionality.
However, the NTSB has no power over the automakers, unlike the NHTSA, which also announced today that it is investigating the crash:
NHTSA is aware of the violent accident on March 11 in Detroit involving a Tesla and a tractor-trailer. We have launched a special crash investigation team to investigate the crash.
Again, at this point, we don’t know if Autopilot was involved in the crash.
Taking Electrek
At this point, I’m not sure what they’re looking for with these crashes.
Like the previous ones, even though Autopilot was active and did not detect the trailer, this is not new information.
We know that Autopilot is currently unable to detect and react to all objects on the road, so drivers need to be vigilant and ready to take control at all times.
If anything, these accidents are a reminder to always remain vigilant when using the autopilot.
Regarding trailer accidents, perhaps they could look into the implementing regulations that require trailers to be fitted with guards:
What do you think? Let us know in the comment section below.
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