Tesla in ‘self-driving’ mode kills pedestrian, 71, on California freeway

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A Tesla traveling at 70 mph struck and killed a 71-year-old pedestrian on a Bay Area freeway in the dead of night – with the driver claiming the car was in Full Self-Driving mode.

The victim was crossing Interstate 80 in Vallejo early Thursday morning when the Tesla struck him near the I-780 interchange, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The driver, a 26-year-old San Francisco man, told investigators the Tesla was operating in Full Self-Driving mode at the time of the deadly collision.

Horrifying footage reviewed by the CHP showed the pedestrian walking from the right shoulder toward the center divider, directly into the Tesla’s path.

“The video showed the Tesla’s brakes being applied as the vehicle steered to the left in an effort to avoid the pedestrian. Despite these evasive actions, the right front portion of the Tesla struck the individual,” the CHP said in a statement.

The man was then struck by at least one other vehicle while lying in the traffic lanes, authorities said.

The Tesla driver stopped at the scene, but no other motorists involved in the collision remained to cooperate with investigators.

Authorities have yet to identify the other driver or drivers.

CHP officers responded to the crash at 2:34 a.m., where emergency personnel determined the Vallejo resident had suffered fatal injuries.

It remains unclear what prompted the man to cross the busy interstate in the middle of the night.

“The Solano Area CHP extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased during this difficult time,” the agency said.

The deadly crash comes just days after a 22-year-old Sacramento man who claimed he was asleep behind the wheel of a Tesla with its Full Self-Driving system engaged allegedly slammed into a California Highway Patrol cruiser at freeway speeds.

Two officers were seriously injured in that collision.

Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system can steer, change lanes and navigate roads and highways, but it is not fully autonomous and requires a driver to remain alert and ready to take control.

Under California law, drivers remain responsible for safely operating their vehicles, even when using automated driving assistance systems.

The CHP is investigating the fatal Vallejo collision. Authorities have not said whether the Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system contributed to the crash.

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