Tesla pushes back on Autopilot narrative after fatal Texas crash

Tesla stated on April 19, 2024, that its Autopilot system was likely not engaged during a fatal crash in Texas on April 17, 2024. The company's statement, released via its official X account, indicated that preliminary data suggests the driver had engaged Autopilot and then disengaged it before the collision. The vehicle, a Tesla Model S, was traveling at high speed when it crashed into a tree, resulting in two fatalities and one injury. Investigators from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are examining the vehicle's data recorder to determine the exact sequence of events leading up to the crash. This incident adds to ongoing scrutiny of Tesla's driver-assistance systems and their role in accidents. The company has previously faced investigations into crashes involving its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) features, with regulatory bodies seeking to understand the capabilities and limitations of these technologies.