‍Arizona’s Family Reports on Tesla Autopilot Crash and Safety Transparency

Arizona’s Family investigative reporter Amy Cutler examined a fatal crash involving a Tesla that reportedly stopped unexpectedly on Loop 202 in Mesa while an automated driving system was engaged.

The report discusses information submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and questions surrounding portions of the submission that Tesla designated as confidential. The coverage also examines “phantom braking,” a term used to describe instances in which a vehicle unexpectedly slows or stops.

John Nohinek, an attorney with Witherite Law Group who handles cases involving autonomous vehicles and advanced driving technology, spoke with Arizona’s Family about the importance of obtaining complete vehicle and software records following a serious crash.

“The biggest thing that stands out is Tesla’s reluctance to share the actual information about the vehicle that was involved in the wreck," Nohinek told Arizona’s Family.

Information about what a vehicle detected, how its software responded, whether warnings were issued and why the vehicle stopped can be critical to determining how a crash occurred. Access to those records can also help investigators evaluate whether an incident was isolated or may reflect a broader safety issue.

Nohinek also raised concerns about the need for independent evaluation and greater disclosure as automated driving technology continues operating on public roads.

“We don’t get independent groups testing the safety of these vehicles and basically, they’re putting these vehicles on the public roads without adequate disclosure and testing and that’s endangering everyone,” Nohinek told Arizona’s Family.

Watch the video and read the full Arizona’s Family report: Tesla on Autopilot Stopped Before Deadly Mesa Crash: Here’s What Filing Says