NHTSA Investigates Fatal Tesla Crash in Texas
Federal agency launches a special crash investigation into an incident where a Tesla Model 3 struck a Texas home, killing a resident.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a special crash investigation into a fatal incident in Texas where a Tesla Model 3 crashed into a residence, killing a 76-year-old woman.
The crash occurred Friday evening when the Tesla driver reportedly "failed to drive in a single lane, left the roadway, and struck the residence," according to a police report from the Harris County Sheriff's Office. The driver "failed to turn right at an intersection and, at a high rate of speed, crashed directly into a house," Sergeant Alex Turman stated.
The woman, who was inside the home at the time, was transported to a hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. Her daughter, who was also home with her family, discovered her mother after the incident.
The driver of the Tesla was also hospitalized and is cooperating with the investigation. Police have not yet indicated the cause of the crash, but are examining the driver's claim that he was using an automated driving system at the time. "We're still evaluating what caused the car to fail to control its speed just before this crash," Turman said.
NHTSA's special crash investigations are its most in-depth inquiries, designed to gather data on emerging vehicle technologies to improve overall automotive safety. While not immediately aimed at penalizing manufacturers, these investigations can lead to safety recalls or other actions.
Tesla refers to its automated driving technology as "full self-driving (assisted)". This technology has faced scrutiny, including an expanded NHTSA investigation earlier this year into its performance in inclement weather.
In parallel, Democratic Senators Edward Markey and Richard Blumenthal recently urged the NHTSA to investigate Tesla's full self-driving (FSD) technology for safety risks. They contend that Tesla's claims of FSD being safer than human driving are based on misleading data comparisons and incomplete information. The senators also called for increased reporting requirements from companies developing autonomous driving systems.
Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the crash or the investigation. The agency spokesperson confirmed that NHTSA is launching its special crash investigation.