Controversy Swirls Around Fatal Tesla Crash

Tesla Model S (Credit: Tesla)

As you’ve probably already heard, the first confirmed death involving Tesla’s Autopilot was just confirmed. Joshua Brown died when his Model S slammed into a semi-truck that turned in front of his car, the sensors completely failing to recognize the danger.

Whenever anything happens with Tesla, it’s controversial. Fatal car crashes occur all the time, but this one is special because it involves a technology many already didn’t like or trust.

There’s no denying that Autopilot isn’t perfect, especially now. BMW executives said it was irresponsible to launch a beta version of a safety tech. Volvo made a big deal that it’s skipping past systems like Autopilot and shooting for Level 4 autonomous technologies, because the Swedes believe Level 3 just gives drivers a false sense of security.

Sadly, Volvo might be on to something. Officials in Florida confirmed that a portable DVD player was found in the car. Multiple reports say witnesses heard a Harry Potter movie playing inside the Tesla after the crash. If that’s the case, it seems Brown had put too much trust in the semi-autonomous tech, then paid for it with his life.

Ironically, back in April Brown posted a YouTube video to show that Autopilot wasn’t recognizing other vehicles that were completely stopped. If Brown had been watching a movie, it’s an odd move if he had doubts about the effectiveness of the technology.

Some people are trying to use this accident to completely discredit Autopilot and all autonomous vehicle tech. That’s obviously a ridiculous move, but they’re still trying.