Tesla Was In Self-Driving Mode When It Fatally Struck Pedestrian Crossing I-80 Freeway: CHP

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — A San Francisco Tesla driver told officers the car was in full self-driving autonomous mode when it fatally struck a man crossing the I-80 Freeway in Solano County early Thursday morning, authorities said.

The California Highway Patrol says a 71-year-old man from Vallejo was crossing the westbound I-80 Freeway at the I-780 interchange just after 2:30 a.m., when the Tesla hit him.

The man died from his injuries, while the driver of the Tesla, a 26-year-old from San Francisco, remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation, CHP said.

Investigators reviewed footage of the crash, which captured the Tesla traveling about 70 miles per hour in the No. 2 lane when the 71-year-old entered the freeway from the right shoulder, CHP said.

The pedestrian walked towards the center divider and into the Tesla's path right before being hit, CHP said.

"The video showed the Tesla’s brakes being applied as the vehicle steered to the left in an effort to avoid the pedestrian," the CHP said. "Despite these evasive actions, the right front portion of the Tesla struck the individual."

CHP said the pedestrian was hit by at least one more car afterward.

"No other vehicles stopped at the scene, and the identity of any subsequent involved vehicle or driver is currently unknown," CHP said.

The Solano County CHP asks that anyone who may have witnessed the fatal crash contact their office at 707-639-5600.

"The Solano Area CHP extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased during this difficult time," the department said.