US investigates role of Autopilot in fatal accident with Tesla S

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating Autopilot, Tesla’s semi-autonomous driving system. The reason is a fatal accident with a Tesla S in which the driver died.

Authorities are conducting a preliminary evaluation of Autopilot, which could be a prelude to a more thorough investigation if deficiencies are found. In particular, the NHTSA wants to know what the role of the semi-autonomous driving system was in the May 7 accident in Florida.

A truck with a trailer for a Tesla S crossed the road, which was not noticed by Autopilot or the driver. The driver died in the accident. Tesla claims to have immediately informed the authorities after the incident.

“It is the first fatal accident after 130 million miles driven,” Tesla said. That equates to 209 million kilometers. According to the automaker, for all cars in the US, a fatal accident occurs at 94 million miles and would be at 60 million miles worldwide. Tesla further claims that the white truck went undetected against the white sky behind it.

Autopilot functions through a combination of instruments such as a camera and radar that point forward and twelve ultrasonic sensors that can take measurements approximately five meters in each direction. The system offers functionality such as Autosteer, Auto Lane Change, Autopark and Automatic Emergency Steering and Side Collision Warning. While the functionality can take over several responsibilities from drivers, it cannot take over all tasks.