business
NHTSA Investigates Fatal Tesla Crash in Katy as Driver Reports Using Automated Assistance
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began a probe into a June 19 crash in which a Tesla Model 3 struck a home, killing a 76-year-old woman. The driver stated he had engaged the vehicle's automated driving assistance system.
LI
livemint.comAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Developing·Limited corroboration so far. This page will refresh as more sources emerge.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation into a fatal crash last Friday in which a Tesla Model 3 left the roadway at high speed and struck a brick home in Katy, a Houston suburb. The driver, identified as Michael Butler, told investigators he was using the car's automated driving assistance program at the time.
Butler was cooperative and showed no signs of intoxication, according to the Harris County Sheriff's Office report.
The victim, Marcela Avila, a 76-year-old grandmother, was airlifted to a hospital and later pronounced dead from her injuries. The crash remains under investigation by the Harris County Sheriff's Office. The NHTSA also opened a special crash investigation, first reported by the Wall Street Journal on Monday.
Tesla did not respond to a request for comment. The agency is evaluating what caused the vehicle to fail to control its speed. Sgt. A. Turman of the Harris County Sheriff's Office said investigators have asked people familiar with Teslas and the driver to determine what role driver control played.
Tesla previously called its automated driver assistance systems Autopilot until facing regulatory pressure in February. The higher-tier Full Self-Driving feature is available for a $99 per month subscription. The sheriff's office report indicated only that an automated driving assistance system was engaged.
