71-year-old man dies after being struck by self-driving Tesla in US

A 71-year-old man has died after being struck by a Tesla reportedly operating in Full Self-Driving mode on a California freeway in the United States.

According to SaharaReporters, the incident occurred around 2:35am Thursday on Interstate 80 near Vallejo, California.

The California Highway Patrol said the vehicle was travelling approximately 70 miles per hour when the pedestrian entered the freeway from the roadside.

Preliminary dashboard camera footage showed the Tesla braking and swerving left to avoid the collision.

“Despite these evasive actions, the right front portion of the Tesla struck the individual,” authorities stated.

The victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators revealed that another vehicle apparently struck the victim after the initial collision, but its driver fled.

The 26-year-old Tesla driver remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators.

Authorities have launched an investigation, stressing that automated driving technology does not eliminate drivers’ responsibility for road safety.