San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has disclosed that his Tesla was operating on autopilot during a car crash on July 14 that resulted in significant injuries, including a concussion, broken ribs, a broken nose, a broken hand, and over 40 stitches to a cut above his eye.
Shanahan, 46, confirmed he will be present on the sideline for the team's preseason opener against the Tennessee Titans on Thursday. He explained that the incident occurred while he was driving at approximately 20 mph, reaching for his phone behind his seat. The autopilot system is designed to match traffic speed and assist with steering within marked lanes.
Despite the system's features, Shanahan acknowledged he should not have taken his eyes off the road. "Regardless, that is always your fault, whether you're in autopilot or not. You can't take your eyes off the road," Shanahan stated. "It's a partnership driving. You don't just turn it over to a computer."
He noted that he has used autopilot for nine years and was comfortable with the technology, but expressed uncertainty about whether the system malfunctioned or if his actions disengaged it. "Who knows what happened when I turned around, whether it malfunctioned or whether I knocked it off. That's something that I don't know yet," he said.
The crash involved Shanahan's vehicle and a car driven by a 21-year-old woman. Shanahan was the sole individual hospitalized. Police did not issue him a ticket for cellphone use, though he expressed self-recrimination for causing an accident that could have been avoided.
Shanahan reported that he is recovering well, though some concussion symptoms, including headaches and fatigue, still linger. He has been present at all summer practices, though he has only addressed the full team in meetings a few times. He felt ready to hold a news conference after practice on Saturday.
The 49ers are preparing for joint practices with the Titans and Chargers before their second exhibition game. The team is scheduled to begin its regular season on September 11 against the Los Angeles Rams in Australia.