A federal court in New Jersey’s Camden is hearing a wrongful death lawsuit against Tesla Inc. following a 2024 crash involving a Tesla Model S that resulted in the loss of three lives. The lawsuit was filed by the estates of the victims, who were traveling home from a music festival when their vehicle ran off the road.
Details of the Incident
- The crash occurred on September 14, 2024, on New Jersey’s Garden State Parkway.
- The victims, David and Michele Dryerman (both 54) and their daughter Brooke (17), were all wearing seatbelts at the time of the accident.
- The plaintiffs, including the family’s elder son Max Dryerman, are seeking unspecified compensatory damages.
Allegations Against Tesla
The lawsuit alleges that the crash was caused by the Model S’s “defective and unreasonably dangerous design.” The complaint states that Tesla’s ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) technology is incapable of safely handling routine roadway scenarios without driver input, despite being relied upon by thousands of Tesla drivers as if it were capable of fully autonomous self-driving.
Broader Implications
This lawsuit comes as Tesla faces scrutiny from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) over possible traffic violations during the launch of its Robotaxi service in Austin. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the safety of Tesla’s Full-Self Driving (FSD) technology, following incidents where the occupants’ safety was threatened while the vehicles were in self-driving mode.
Safety Concerns Surrounding Tesla’s FSD Technology
- Two incidents involving Tesla vehicles in self-driving mode have raised concerns about the safety of the technology.
- Tesla has sought to keep its responses to an NHTSA inquiry about the FSD technology’s performance in poor weather conditions private, citing concerns about confidential information being used by competitors.
Conclusion
The lawsuit against Tesla highlights the ongoing concerns surrounding the safety of the company’s autonomous driving technology. As the automotive industry continues to evolve and incorporate more advanced technologies, it is essential to prioritize safety and ensure that vehicles are designed and tested to withstand various roadway scenarios.