NTSB and NHTSA open investigations into fatal Model 3 crash

[Polycount]

Tesla vehicles have been involved in high-profile crashes on multiple occasions in the past, and tragically, it's happened again today.

As reported by Electrek, a Tesla Model 3 owner was recently killed after his vehicle passed under a truck trailer in Delray Beach, Florida; a collision that caused the roof of his car to be "sheared off."

As of writing, it's unclear whether or not Autopilot was involved in this incident. However, as Electrek notes, this event is remarkably similar to another that occurred back in 2016, when Model S Owner Joshua Brown also passed away after driving under another truck's trailer.

In both cases, the Tesla vehicles in question continued to drive for quite some time before coming to a stop, which may suggest that -- at the very least -- Autopilot wasn't functioning perfectly. In theory, the tech should apply automatic brakes (or steer away) when it senses an impending collision.

Two federal US transportation agencies -- NHTSA and the NTSB -- are investigating this crash, likely to determine whether or not Autopilot is at fault.

For its part, Tesla has offered its full cooperation to investigators, but that probably won't speed up the process. According to the NTSB Newsroom's official Twitter account, "major investigations" usually take between "12 & 24 months" to conclude.

When the NTSB is finished looking into the matter, a full report will be published on its website. We'll be monitoring this situation in the coming weeks (and months), and we'll let you when it is determined that Autopilot was or wasn't at fault.

Permalink to story.

https://www.techspot.com/news/79028-ntsb-nhtsa-open-investigations-fatal-model-3-crash.html

 

[QuantumPhysics]

This isn't the first time this happened.

A Tesla Model S got into this exact same accident.

QUESTION: Why isn't there an ultrasonic sensor looking fore and aft (or sideways) at roof level?

How can the car - for example - clear a garage door that's halfway up?

 

[Uncle Al]

Clearly, the Tesla has issues that need to be resolved and it appears that a massive recall may be the only way to deal with it.

 

[Unusual Kmc]

Clearly, the Tesla has issues that need to be resolved and it appears that a massive recall may be the only way to deal with it.

Thats a bit too dramatic. Bear in mind that Teslas AP is designed to be used on roads, not beaches. The driver should have known this when / if he turned it on. A recall isn't needed and is unnecessary at this stage - just remind people to not use AP on non tarmac surfaces.

 

[deadheadbob87]

Clearly, the Tesla has issues that need to be resolved and it appears that a massive recall may be the only way to deal with it.

Thats a bit too dramatic. Bear in mind that Teslas AP is designed to be used on roads, not beaches. The driver should have known this when / if he turned it on. A recall isn't needed and is unnecessary at this stage - just remind people to not use AP on non tarmac surfaces.

Um...What gave you the idea they were driving on a beach and not a paved road?

 

[Cycloid Torus]

Units conversion error - sees 3' as 3m - thought it was a tunnel?
https://mentalfloss.com/article/25845/quick-6-six-unit-conversion-disasters

 

[MasterMace]

Clearly, the Tesla has issues that need to be resolved and it appears that a massive recall may be the only way to deal with it.

Thats a bit too dramatic. Bear in mind that Teslas AP is designed to be used on roads, not beaches. The driver should have known this when / if he turned it on. A recall isn't needed and is unnecessary at this stage - just remind people to not use AP on non tarmac surfaces.

Delray Beach is the name of the town/city.

 

[wiyosaya]

Units conversion error - sees 3' as 3m - thought it was a tunnel?
https://mentalfloss.com/article/25845/quick-6-six-unit-conversion-disasters

Now we know why NASA is working with Musk!

Seriously, I would hope that in their analysis of the last similar crash, they would have discovered such an egregious error.

Then again, I have little confidence in Tesla or Musk.

 

[wiyosaya]

This isn't the first time this happened.

A Tesla Model S got into this exact same accident.

QUESTION: Why isn't there an ultrasonic sensor looking fore and aft (or sideways) at roof level?

How can the car - for example - clear a garage door that's halfway up?

Round and round the autopilot goes. Where she stops, nobody knows!

 

[Cycloid Torus]

Seriously, I would hope that in their analysis of the last similar crash, they would have discovered such an egregious error.

Depends on what they were looking for. No Richard Feynman on staff.

 

[wiyosaya]

Seriously, I would hope that in their analysis of the last similar crash, they would have discovered such an egregious error.

Depends on what they were looking for. No Richard Feynman on staff.

Not many would get that reference. Yes, you are right. Perhaps the closest that Musk has to anyone of that caliber is those that worked on the engines for SpaceX.