Tesla Says Driver to Blame in Fatal Model X Autopilot Crash

Tesla has released a statement on the Model X crash that killed 38-year-old Walter Huang, placing responsibility on Huang for the collision.

Huang was killed when his Model X veered into a barrier while Tesla’s Autopilot semi-autonomous was system engaged. The Apple engineer had previously observed his Model X’s Autopilot system failing to recognize the painted divider lines on that section of highway, and complained to his family that the vehicle would veer toward the barrier.

Huang’s wife Sevonne has now hired an attorney to sue Tesla, claiming Autopilot is unsafe and failed to do what the automaker claims it can. Tesla argues Huang ignored multiple warnings from the vehicle to pay attention and keep his hands on the steering wheel while Autopilot was engaged. The automaker also pointed out that users are reminded to remain attentive every time they engage Autopilot on a Tesla vehicle.

#Tesla just made its strongest statement yet blaming #ModelX driver Walter Huang for the autopilot crash that killed him in #MountainView. More of my exclusive interview with Huang’s family at 11pm. #ABC7now pic.twitter.com/b1dGlBBxb9

— Dan Noyes (@dannoyes) April 11, 2018

Huang’s brother Will says there was no way Walter didn’t have his hands on the wheel at the time of the crash.

“We know that he’s not the type who would not have his hands on the steering wheel, he’s always been (a) really careful driver,” he told local Mountain View ABC affiliate ABC7.

SEE ALSO: Tesla Autopilot Involved in Another Fatal Crash

The National Transportation Safety Board is currently investigating the crash. In a statement, NTSB spokesman Chris O’Neil said the agency is “looking into all aspects of this crash including the driver’s previous concerns about the Autopilot.”

The Huang family’s attorney won’t file a formal complaint until the NTSB investigation has concluded, according to ABC7.

[Source: ABC7]

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