Tesla has released an update on the fatal crash involving its semi-autonomous Tesla Model X stating the driver was issued multiple alerts prior to the accident which it claims were ignored.
The accident occurred in Mountain View, California after the car crashed into a concrete divider while the car's auto-pilot system was engaged.
In a statement, Tesla argued that the driver's hands were not detected on the wheel for six seconds prior to collision after receiving multiple visual and one audible hands-on warning earlier in the drive.
“The driver had about five seconds and 150 metres of unobstructed view of the concrete divider with the crushed crash attenuator, but the vehicle logs show that no action was taken.
“The reason this crash was so severe is because the crash attenuator, a highway safety barrier which is designed to reduce the impact into a concrete lane divider, had been crushed in a prior accident without being replaced.
“We have never seen this level of damage to a Model X in any other crash.”
Following the statements from Tesla, the US national transportation safety board announced the removal of Tesla as a party to its investigation.
In its announcement, the NTSB said they took the action because Tesla violated an agreement by releasing investigative information before it was vetted and confirmed by the board.
“Such releases of incomplete information often lead to speculation and incorrect assumptions about the probable cause of a crash, which does a disservice to the investigative process and the travelling public.”