Tesla on Autopilot Crashes into Texas Home, Killing Woman
A woman died after a Tesla Model 3 using Autopilot crashed into a house in Katy, Texas.
Authorities have reported that a woman was killed after a Tesla driver, reportedly using an automated driving assistance system, crashed into a home in Katy, Texas. The Harris County Sheriff's Office identified the driver as Michael Butler, who was behind the wheel of a Tesla Model 3 with the driving assistance system engaged. The incident occurred on Friday night at 1907 Blooming Park Lane. According to police, the Model 3 "failed to drive in a single lane, left the roadway and struck the residence" at a high rate of speed. The victim, Martha Avila, was inside the house at the time of the crash. She was transported to a local hospital but later died from her injuries. Police noted there were no signs of intoxication from the driver, who cooperated with investigators. This crash adds to a series of Autopilot-related incidents that have drawn scrutiny from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last year, the agency opened an investigation into how Tesla reports crashes involving its driver assistance systems. More recently, a judge ruled that Tesla must pay $243 million for a deadly 2019 crash that involved the use of the Autopilot feature.
