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Tesla driver who fatally struck man says car was in self-driving mode
San Francisco Chronicle • • business
Key Points:
- A Tesla driver using full self-driving mode fatally struck a 71-year-old man who entered Interstate 80 from the right shoulder in Solano County early Thursday morning, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
- The Tesla attempted to brake and swerve but could not avoid hitting the pedestrian, who was later struck by at least one more vehicle and died at the scene; the victim was identified as Domingo Gonzales.
- The 26-year-old Tesla driver cooperated with police and provided dashcam footage, stating the car was in full self-driving mode at the time; no citation was issued immediately but charges could be filed pending investigation.
- This incident marks the second fatal crash in Solano County this month involving Tesla's full self-driving mode, including a recent crash where a Tesla hit a CHP patrol vehicle while reportedly being driven by a sleeping driver.
- Tesla's Full Self-Driving feature requires drivers to remain alert and supervise the vehicle, but some users have admitted to distractions such as eating or napping, raising concerns about the system's safety safeguards.
