Back in March, Tesla hit the headlines, after one of its cars was involved in a fatal collision in Florida.
The incident saw a Tesla Model 3 crash into a semi-truck, sadly killing the driver in the process.
Now, a report by the National Transportation Safety Board has revealed that the Tesla had Autopilot mode activated seconds before the crash.
Jeremy Banner was behind the wheel of the Tesla on a four-lane highway in Palm Beach County, when the semi-truck pulled out in front of him.
Despite having Autopilot mode activated, the Tesla slid under the truck’s trailer, cutting off the top of the car, and killing Mr Banner.
Elon Musk SLAMMED for response to 'dangerous' video of couple having sex in Tesla
The report explained: “Preliminary data from the vehicle show that the Tesla’s Autopilot system—an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) that provides both longitudinal and lateral control over vehicle motion—was active at the time of the crash.
“The driver engaged the Autopilot about 10 seconds before the collision. From less than 8 seconds before the crash to the time of impact, the vehicle did not detect the driver’s hands on the steering wheel.”
While the road had a speed limit of 55 mph, the Tesla was travelling at 68 mph during the crash.
Tesla investigating video of Model S electric car EXPLODING into flames
And worryingly, the initial investigation suggests that neither the driver, nor the Autopilot system performed any evasive manoeuvres ahead of the crash.
Speaking to Ars Technica , a spokeswoman for Tesla said: “We are deeply saddened by this accident and our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy.
“Tesla drivers have logged more than one billion miles with Autopilot engaged, and our data shows that, when used properly by an attentive driver who is prepared to take control at all times, drivers supported by Autopilot are safer than those operating without assistance."
Hackers trick Tesla Autopilot into steering into oncoming traffic
It remains unclear why the Autopilot system didn't detect the truck in its path, and either steer out of the way or stop.
According to the Tesla website, Autopilot can detect 'both hard and soft objects at nearly twice the distance of the prior system.'
Sadly, this isn't the first time a Tesla car in Autopilot has been involved in a fatal collision. Back in 2016, Joshua Brown was killed during after his Tesla Model S rashed into a semi-truck, while in Autopilot mode.
