Tesla in Full Self-Driving Mode Kills 71-Year-Old Man on California Highway

A 71-year-old man, identified as Domingo Gonzales, has been killed after a Tesla operating in Full Self-Driving mode struck him as he crossed Interstate 80 in Vallejo, California, United States.

The crash occurred at about 2:35 a.m. on Thursday, October 22, near the interchange between Interstate 80 and Interstate 780, according to information attributed to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).

The driver, a 26-year-old man from San Francisco, told investigators that the vehicle was operating in Full Self-Driving mode when it struck Gonzales.

According to the highway patrol’s preliminary review of the Tesla’s dashboard-camera footage, the vehicle was travelling at approximately 70 miles per hour when the pedestrian entered the freeway from the right shoulder and began crossing towards the central divider.

The footage reportedly showed the vehicle applying its brakes and steering left in an attempt to avoid the pedestrian. Despite the manoeuvre, the front-right portion of the Tesla struck him.

Investigators believe Gonzales was subsequently struck by at least one other vehicle while lying in the traffic lanes. The other vehicle and its driver had not been identified in the reports available as of Saturday.

The Tesla driver remained at the scene, cooperated with investigators and provided the dashboard-camera footage, according to accounts of the highway patrol’s findings.

Authorities were seeking witnesses and information that could help identify the other vehicle involved in the incident.

Investigation Continues

The circumstances surrounding the fatal collision remain under investigation. The available information does not establish whether the Tesla’s driver-assistance system contributed to the crash or whether any individual will face criminal charges.

Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system is a driver-assistance technology and should not be confused with a fully autonomous vehicle that requires no human supervision.

The crash has drawn attention to the responsibilities of drivers using advanced driving-assistance systems, particularly when operating vehicles at highway speeds.

Investigators are expected to establish the circumstances of the collision and determine the involvement of any other vehicles as the inquiry progresses.