Tesla Driver Killed In An Accident Had Posted Driving On Autopilot To Social Media

According to the New York Post, a California man who died when his Tesla crashed into a truck earlier this month posted videos of himself driving with no hands before the accident.

Steven Michael Hendrickson, 35, died when his Tesla Model 3 crashed into an overturned semi-truck in the early morning hours on May 5. Investigators are looking into whether Autopilot was engaged and if that was a contributing factor. 

In its preliminary investigation, the California Highway Patrol stated that the car’s Autopilot was engaged before the crash. CHP later changed their statement, saying instead that a “final determination” has not been made. 

Hendrickson was a member of the Tesla Club So-Cal and frequently posed about his vehicle on social media. On Facebook, he posted a video of the self-driving car, saying, “Don’t worry. I’m on autopilot.” He also posted videos of him driving with no foot on the pedal or hands on the steering wheel. 

In Tesla’s owner’s manuals and on its website, it states that Autopilot and Full Self-Driving are not fully autonomous and reminds drivers to pay attention if they need to intervene. The company has disbanded its public relations department and responded to the Post’s request for comment. 

Hendrickson leaves behind his wife and their two children.