Tesla’s Autopilot system is in the spotlight at trial over a student killed while stargazing

Summary

A Tesla Model S operating with its Autopilot system struck a parked Chevrolet Tahoe at high speed in April 2019 near Key West, Florida, killing 21-year-old stargazer Naibel Benavides Leon and severely injuring her boyfriend. The driver, George McGee, was using Autopilot and reached for a dropped phone moments before the crash. The plaintiffs allege that Tesla’s Autopilot failed to warn the driver or brake despite detecting the parked vehicle. A jury trial in Miami is determining whether Tesla is partly liable for the crash, with the company denying fault and blaming the driver for distraction. The case could result in punitive damages, as the judge ruled the family can argue Tesla acted with reckless disregard for safety. Tesla has since updated its Autopilot system but still faces investigations and lawsuits over its performance and marketing claims.