NHTSA is opening an investigation into a fatal truck crash in Virginia involving a Tesla

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced an investigation into a July collision between a Tesla Model Y and a trailer truck in Warrenton, Virginia. The accident occurred when a tractor trailer pulled out of a truck stop. As the truck pulled onto the highway, the driver of the Tesla hit the truck and slid under the tractor trailer. The 57-year-old Tesla driver was pronounced dead at the scene, and the truck driver was cited for reckless driving. NHTSA conducts private crash investigations about 100 times a year, and only inquires about a small fraction of the millions of car crashes annually in the United States.

interest of the federal government in this regard Virginia truck accident It may be related to Tesla’s Autopilot feature. Tesla cars have been involved in a number of accidents emergency carsand merging trucks and other stationary objects. These incidents have raised concerns about the safety of Tesla’s Autopilot system, the driver assistance system that can assist with steering, acceleration and braking. This is because radar systems used by autopilot are better at detecting moving objects than stationary ones. In addition, the autopilot may not be able to distinguish between a stationary object and a vehicle merging into traffic.

Although the Autopilot system is technologically advanced, it is not a suitable replacement for a driver who remains alert. Tesla warns drivers to pay attention to the road while using the system. NHTSA has investigated nearly 40 accidents involving Tesla cars since 2016. The latest tragedy highlights the problem. risk of truck accidents.

Underride Truck Crash

When two passenger cars collide, there is a chance that someone will die, but the probability is small. Less than 1% of car accidents end in death in the United States. The risk of death or severe injury increases dramatically when it comes to a large truck, and statistics show that vehicle occupants are more likely to be injured or killed. Underride Truck Crash It is unfortunately one of the most dangerous types of accidents and often ends tragically.

Underride crashes occur when a smaller vehicle slides under a larger vehicle. They are common on tractor trailers because of the amount of space there is between the trailer, the wheels, and the ground. Cars are designed to protect you in the event of a crash, but many safety features are rendered useless during a bottom collision. During these crashes, the top of the smaller vehicle is usually severed, leaving the vehicle’s occupants vulnerable to injury during the collision. If a truck driver acts recklessly by running a red light or ignoring a stop sign, the chances of a lower overtaking occurring are significantly higher.

Hundreds of people die annually from bottom-up crashes according to Crash Data, but this number is likely to be underreported. Some states do not have an “exceeding” category that law enforcement officers must mark when preparing police reports of incidents. These crashes are largely preventable, but federal regulators have failed to enact safety standards that would reduce the risk of bottoming out crashes and undoubtedly save lives.

Reducing truck collisions

Are there solutions available to reduce the risk of truck collisions? Research has shown that side and rear guards, which are usually made of steel bars, form a strong barrier that can keep roads safer. These bars can be added to the rear and sides of larger trucks, but federal regulators have resisted pressure to beef up safety requirements, in part because of pressure from trucking companies. Underbody protection systems do not prevent cars from colliding with trucks, but they can significantly reduce the chance of death. NHTSA updated its general guidelines last year, but the agency has been criticized by advocates who said the new rules were not strict enough.

Crash survivors are incredibly lucky but still face it catastrophic injuries. Bone fractures, spinal injuries, amputations, organ damage, brain injuries, and paralysis regularly result from these accidents. In an instant, a crash victim’s life could change for the worse. If you or a family member is involved in any type of truck collision in Virginia, there is a good chance that you will suffer the consequences.

You should know that you can recover damages from the truck driver and the trucking company to help compensate you for your losses. You may be dealing with the medical bills, unexpected costs, and emotional anguish that often follow an accident. You’ll need a personal injury attorney to help you through the process, and it’s important to find a law firm with a proven track record of successfully handling Virginia truck accidents. Curcio Law has an experienced team Virginia truck accident attorney Who can demand justice for you. Call or text us at 703-836-3366 or contact us online to get Free consultation.