**Tesla Faces Lawsuit Over Fatal Motorcycle Crash**
The parents of a motorcyclist who tragically lost his life in a crash involving a Tesla Model 3 on Autopilot have filed a lawsuit against the carmaker and the driver of the vehicle. The lawsuit alleges that the driver assistant software and other safety features of the Tesla Model 3 are “defective and inadequate.” The incident occurred in Utah in 2022, and it claimed the life of Landon Embry, 34. According to the lawsuit filed in state court in Salt Lake City, the Model 3, while on Autopilot, collided with the back of Embry’s Harley Davidson motorcycle, throwing him off his bike and causing fatal injuries.
**Driver’s Condition and Autopilot’s Failure**
The lawsuit claims that the driver of the Model 3 was “tired” and “not in a condition to drive as an ordinarily prudent driver.” It further alleges that the Autopilot’s sensors, such as cameras, failed to identify the motorcycle as a potential hazard. The complaint argues that a reasonably prudent driver or an adequate auto braking system would have been able to slow down or stop without colliding with the motorcycle. The lawsuit contends that Tesla’s Autopilot system, which is designed to assist drivers, was defective and did not provide the necessary level of safety.
**Growing Scrutiny on Tesla’s Driver Assistant Systems**
This recent lawsuit adds to the increasing scrutiny faced by Tesla’s driver assistant systems, Autopilot and Full Self-Driving. In April of this year, a Tesla Model S car operating in “Full Self-Driving” mode was involved in a fatal collision with a motorcyclist in the Seattle area. These incidents raise concerns about the reliability and effectiveness of Tesla’s autonomous driving features and their potential impact on road safety.
**Previous Incidents and Lawsuits**
Tesla has faced previous lawsuits and incidents related to its Autopilot system. In 2018, the company settled a lawsuit over a crash that claimed the life of an Apple engineer. The engineer’s Model X, operating on Autopilot, veered off a highway near San Francisco, resulting in the fatal accident. These incidents highlight the need for careful examination and evaluation of the safety measures and functionality of autonomous driving technologies.
As the investigation into the recent Utah crash unfolds and the lawsuit progresses, it will likely shed further light on the capabilities and limitations of Tesla’s Autopilot system. The outcome of this case could have implications for the development and regulation of autonomous driving technologies in the future.