Investigation reveals Tesla in self-driving mode in crash that killed motorcyclist

Investigators disclosed on Wednesday, July 31, that the driver of a Tesla involved in a deadly crash in the Seattle area had been using “Full Self-Driving” (FSD) mode during the collision that killed a 28-year-old motorcyclist in April. Authorities said that they made the discovery after downloading and reviewing the event-data record on the Tesla Model S.

Following the crash, the driver initially told a state trooper that he was using Tesla’s Autopilot system and looked down at his phone before hitting the man on the motorcycle. Police said that the driver admitted to putting total trust in the Autopilot system.

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Authorities said that the investigation is ongoing and that prosecutors have yet to decide if any charges will be filed.

If the findings in the investigation hold this would be the second reported crash death involving a Tesla in Full Self-Driving mode.

Tesla has two partially automated systems: Full Self-Driving, which can take on many driving tasks, and Autopilot, which keeps the vehicle within lanes and away from objects in front of it.

For its part, Tesla has told drivers that its Full Self-Driving and Autopilot modes still require them to be aware and ready to take control of the vehicle at any time.

On July 23, Tesla CEO Elon Musk expressed optimism that the Full Self-Driving system would be ready to be implemented without human supervision by the end of the year.

Musk also said that his company will be unveiling a robotaxi vehicle on Oct. 10. He said that he didn’t think that approval from government regulators would be a problem in deploying the taxis.