Tesla defends Full Self-Driving system after fatal Texas crash

A Tesla Model 3 traveling at about 73 mph (117 km/h) crashed into a residence in Harris County, Texas, killing 76‑year‑old Martha Avila. The driver, Michael Butler, reportedly pressed the accelerator to the floor and kept it engaged after the impact. Tesla’s head of AI, Ashok Elluswamy, said the driver manually overrode the vehicle’s autonomous mode, and the company accused the media of spreading fear, uncertainty and doubt (FUD). Elon Musk added that the Full Self‑Driving (FSD) system operates slowly on residential streets and the accident occurred at high speed.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office indicated the driver was not intoxicated and is cooperating with authorities. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened a special investigation, marking the 46th incident involving Tesla’s driver‑assist technologies in the past decade, several of which have resulted in fatalities.