Tesla driver using Full Self-Driving struck and killed a man crossing I-80
News Source
โข2026-10-22T14:07:02-04:00
๐ฐ What Happened
A 71-year-old man was hit and killed by a Tesla in Full Self-Driving mode while crossing Interstate 80 in Vallejo, California. The crash happened around 2:30 AM on Thursday.
The California Highway Patrol reviewed dashcam video from the car. It showed the brakes being applied and the car steering left to avoid the man. Even so, the right front of the Tesla struck him.
Police believe at least one other vehicle hit the man after the Tesla. Only the Tesla driver stopped and stayed at the scene. The CHP is asking witnesses to come forward.
๐ The Backstory
Tesla sells Full Self-Driving as a driver-assist feature. The car can steer, brake, and change lanes, but Tesla says a driver must stay alert and ready to take over at any time.
Critics say the name confuses people into thinking the car drives itself. Last week, another driver on I-80 said he was asleep while using FSD when his Tesla hit a police car stopped at a crash scene.
After that crash, the highway patrol warned that "full self-driving is not fully autonomous" and that the tech does not remove a driver's duty to drive safely.
๐ฏ Why It Matters
If you use driver-assist features, keep your hands ready and your eyes on the road. The car can help, but it cannot take full responsibility for safety.
A 71-year-old man was hit and killed by a Tesla in Full Self-Driving mode while crossing Interstate 80 in Vallejo, California. The crash happened around 2:30 AM on Thursday.
The California Highway Patrol reviewed dashcam video from the car. It showed the brakes being applied and the car steering left to avoid the man. Even so, the right front of the Tesla struck him.
Police believe at least one other vehicle hit the man after the Tesla. Only the Tesla driver stopped and stayed at the scene. The CHP is asking witnesses to come forward.
Tesla sells Full Self-Driving as a driver-assist feature. The car can steer, brake, and change lanes, but Tesla says a driver must stay alert and ready to take over at any time.
Critics say the name confuses people into thinking the car drives itself. Last week, another driver on I-80 said he was asleep while using FSD when his Tesla hit a police car stopped at a crash scene.
After that crash, the highway patrol warned that "full self-driving is not fully autonomous" and that the tech does not remove a driver's duty to drive safely.
If you use driver-assist features, keep your hands ready and your eyes on the road. The car can help, but it cannot take full responsibility for safety.