NHTSA investigate first driver death in self-driving car accident

The very first American death including a vehicle in self-driving mode has raised concern that how aggressively to welcome the potentially life-saving technology after a deadly crash. The motorist’s history of speeding complicates the question even more.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is examining the model and efficiency of the Tesla Model S car’s “Autopilot” system after revealing the death of a motorist on Thursday. The system was engaged at the time of the crash.

The driver was Joshua D. Brown, a 40-year-old technology company owner from Canton, Ohio, was so enamored of his sedan that he nicknamed it “Tessy” and applauded the Autopilot’s safety advantages. Brown released videos on Youtube of himself behind the wheel with the system active.

He was killed May 7 in Williston, Florida, after his automobile’s video cameras cannot differentiate the white side of a turning tractor-trailer from a brightly lit sky and didn’t instantly trigger the brakes, as per the statements by the government and the automaker. Brown didn’t take control and brake, either.

Brown’s family said in a declaration that it wished to help the government and Tesla so that details found out from this misfortune will activate additional technology which boosts the security of everybody on the roadways.

His death comes at an uncomfortable time for the United States government and automakers.

NHTSA Administrator Mark Rosekind was expected later on this month to announce standards on self-driving vehicles for states and automakers. The transition to the brand-new technology could radically transform how individuals travel in the future.