The Tesla driver killed in a crash was not engaged in Full Self-Driving (FSD) mode at the time of the accident, as clarified by Elon Musk. The Tesla CEO took to social platform X (formerly Twitter), contradicting prior reports that attributed the fatal collision involving a Tesla Model 3 to the car’s FSD functionality.
He was not on FSD. The software had unfortunately never been downloaded. I say “unfortunately”, because the accident probably would not have happened if FSD had been engaged.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 14, 2024
The crash, which occurred in 2022, claimed the life of Tesla employee Hans von Ohain. Initial reports suggested that the Model 3 had veered off the road while in FSD mode, leading to a fiery crash and the death of the driver. However, evidence suggests that the FSD feature was not activated when the Tesla Model 3 crashed into a tree and caught fire.
Rohan Patel, the leading automaker’s policy chief, confirmed via tweet that the Tesla driver killed in a crash did not use the FSD feature as it was not downloaded onto his car in the first place. FSD beta represents Tesla’s most advanced driver assistance technology, promising enhanced autonomy on surface streets.
A tragic loss of one of our team members and inaccurate reporting on it years later. ⁰⁰Apart from FSD beta software not being downloaded on the car, data from the incident was not retrievable.
Notwithstanding the lack of information, as per NHTSA “SGO” requirements, Tesla… https://t.co/RrW7VkJNpU
— Rohan Patel (@rohanspatel) February 14, 2024
The tweets mark the first public statements from Tesla officials regarding the crash. Despite previous inquiries, neither Musk nor the company had provided details or comments on the incident until now.
Von Ohain’s tragic death occurred under complex circumstances. He was found to be legally intoxicated at the time of the crash, which took place in Evergreen, Colorado, after a day spent golfing with a friend.
Colorado state investigators sought to understand the role of technology in the accident but faced challenges due to data limitations. Tesla reported the incident to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, but crucial details about software engagement remain undisclosed.
As investigations continue, questions persist about the circumstances leading to von Ohain’s death and the role, if any, played by Tesla’s driver-assistance technology.
Von Ohain’s widow and friends remember him as an enthusiast of Tesla’s technology, frequently showcasing the capabilities of his vehicle’s Full Self-Driving feature.
In the absence of conclusive evidence, the circumstances surrounding this tragedy underscore the ongoing debate over the safety and efficacy of autonomous driving technologies.
Image Source: Washington Post
