NHTSA Clears Tesla in Fatality Involving Self-Driving Autopilot Feature

U.S. safety investigators say there is no defect in the semi-autonomous Autopilot feature provided in Tesla Motors Inc. electric vehicles. The result clears the company of any blame in last year’s fatal crash of a Tesla Model S sedan while in Autopilot mode.

The Autopilot feature can steer, accelerate and brake the car automatically under certain conditions. But the driver is expected to closely monitor the system and resume control instantly if necessary.

The fatality occurred when the car’s Autopilot failed to recognize a truck crossing the road and crashed into it while traveling more than 70 mph. Investigators say the driver took no action to steer or brake the car immediately before the accident.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s decision of no fault follows a six-month probe into the crash and the Autopilot technology. But the agency does caution that drivers who use the system can be confused about when or if they need to override it.

Tesla updated its Autopilot system in September with more sophisticated object detection and a feature that requires the driver to touch the steering wheel more frequently to avoid having the system shut itself off. Data supplied to NHTSA by Tesla indicates that versions of the carmaker’s vehicles equipped with Autopilot have a 40% lower crash rate than earlier models without the system.