A Tesla driver has been charged with vehicular homicide after a motorcyclist was struck and killed in Washington on April 19, 2024, FOX 13 Seattle reported.
A Washington man was arrested and charged with vehicular homicide after his Tesla in autopilot mode crashed and killed a motorcycle.
The accident occurred in Maltby, Washington, around 3:45 p.m. Friday, according to a Washington State Patrol incident summary.
Tesla Model S driver identified in obtained court documents FOX 13 Seattle Carl Hunter, 56, told first responders that the vehicle, which was in autopilot mode, “leaned forward while accelerating and struck the motorcycle in front of me.”
The motorcycle rider, Jeff Nissen, 28, of Stanwood, was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. Investigators said the man was thrown from his bicycle before being hit by the Tesla.
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Photo of accident victim Jeff Nissen, 28, of Stanwood, Washington. (FOX13 Seattle)
| ticker | safety | last | change | change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TSLA | Tesla Inc. | 162.13 | +17.45 | +12.06% |
”[Jeff] He was a very loving man and a very loving uncle. “He loved his nieces and nephews,” Nissen’s sister, Jenessa Fagery, told FOX 13. “He loved his nieces and nephews. We were expecting him to have children one day, but he was taken away too soon.” ” he said.
Nissen would have turned 29 in June. She said the last time Ms. Fergary saw her, her brother hugged her and told her he loved her.
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Jenessa Fagery talks about her brother’s death in a collision with a Tesla while he was driving on autopilot. (FOX13 Seattle)
According to court documents, the Tesla driver admitted to drinking alcohol before the crash, but passed field tests and blood tests. Because the driver was using a cell phone at the time, detectives determined that distracted driving was the cause of the accident.
Tesla is offering new and existing Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y owners an “opportunity to experience its latest fully autonomous driving (with supervision) capabilities” with a 30-day free trial . According to the website.
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Tesla explains to drivers in the app about “fully autonomous driving (with supervision).” (Tesla)
This trial began with the vehicle’s latest software upgrade, version 12.3 or newer. Available to Tesla owners in the US and Canada.
“Under your supervision, fully autonomous driving (with supervision) allows you to drive your Tesla almost anywhere,” the automaker tells operators in its Tesla app release notes. “Make lane changes, select junctions to follow navigation routes, avoid other vehicles and objects, and make left and right turns.”
Tesla is providing drivers of its cars with details about its “Full Self-Driving (Supervised)” feature and urging drivers to be careful. (Tesla)
The company advises drivers to “exceed caution” and “continue to exercise caution” when using this feature. He added that vehicles should not become “self-driving” and drivers should not become “complacent”.
Tesla did not respond to FOX Business’ request for comment, and it is unclear whether the driver involved in the accident was using the self-driving trial or paying for the service.
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The 2021 Tesla Model Y will drive on Florida roads on April 20, 2024 under a “fully autonomous (supervised)” trial. The company is offering a 30-day trial to new and existing owners. (Pilar Arias/FOX Business)
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Mr Fargherley’s message to motorists: “Put your phone away and the less distraction you have, the better.” “Please continue to use caution on the roads.”
