NHTSA Investigates Fatal Tesla Model 3 Crash in Texas: What Went Wrong?

Key Takeaways

• Tesla Model 3 crashed into a Texas home, killing a 76-year-old woman.
• The driver claimed the vehicle was using Autopilot at the time of the collision.
• NHTSA has opened an investigation into the incident.
• Tesla executives have cast doubt on the driver’s claim.
• This is not the first investigation into Tesla’s autonomous driving systems.

What Happened in the Fatal Crash?

On June 19, a Tesla Model 3 drove straight through the front of a home in Katy, Texas, striking and killing 76-year-old Martha Avila. The driver, 44-year-old Michael Butler, claimed that the vehicle was using its automated driver assistance program at the time of the collision.

According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Department, Butler did not appear to be under the influence at the scene of the accident and was transported to the local medical center to be treated for his own injuries.

The official report from the sheriff’s department states that Butler failed to drive in a single lane, left the roadway, and struck the residence at a high rate of speed.

What Does the Data Say?

Tesla executives, including CEO Elon Musk and Vice President of Autopilot and AI Software Ashok Elluswamy, have cast doubt on Butler’s claim that the vehicle was using Autopilot at the time of the collision.

Musk tweeted that the crash makes no sense, as FSD drives slowly through neighborhood streets and this was a high-speed crash. Elluswamy also placed blame on Butler, citing data regarding the vehicle’s operation that has not been released publicly.

How Common Are Investigations into Tesla’s Autonomous Driving Systems?

NHTSA has opened nearly 50 investigations into Tesla’s autonomous driving systems since 2016, involving cases that have reportedly resulted in the death of nearly two dozen people.

According to independent site TeslaDeaths.com, there have been as many as 65 fatalities in crashes where Tesla Autopilot or FSD-branded systems were listed as a potential factor since 2013.

What’s Next for the Family of the Victim?

Houston-based law firm Zehl & Associates has announced that Avila’s family plans to sue both Butler and Tesla following the incident.

A GoFundMe has been set up for the family, which has raised over $30,000 as of this story’s publication.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current status of the investigation?

The NHTSA has opened an official investigation into the incident and is currently gathering data and evidence.

Has Tesla commented on the incident?

Yes, Tesla executives, including CEO Elon Musk and Vice President of Autopilot and AI Software Ashok Elluswamy, have commented on the incident, casting doubt on the driver’s claim that the vehicle was using Autopilot at the time of the collision.

What is the family of the victim doing?

The family of Martha Avila has announced plans to sue both the driver, Michael Butler, and Tesla following the incident. A GoFundMe has also been set up to support the family.