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WHY THIS MATTERS IN BRIEF

While the cause of the crash hasn’t been determined yet investigators are turning their attentions to the cars safety systems.

 

Driverless cars have gone from the realms of science fiction to the streets of major US states and cities – from Pittsburg to Singapore – within just a few years. Meanwhile regulators around the world, who have arguably been caught short footed, are still trying to understand and get to grips with the safety implications that at this new technology will have on drivers and civilians.

As a consequence it’s understandable that every accident involving a semi, or fully autonomous vehicle are scrutinised in minute detail, much more so than a regular RTA. Once again Tesla find themselves under the microscope when, too soon after a Tesla Model S driver died in Florida, another 53 year old Tesla Model S driver has tragically died after crashing into a tree at high speeds in the Baarn, Netherlands. At the moment though the cause of the crash – specifically whether or not the driver had engaged Tesla’s Autopilot feature – is unclear.

 

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According to DutchNews, the crash took place on a country road around 6AM. Rescue teams responded quickly but reports say the driver was already dead by the time firefighters arrived on the scene.

The rescue team was, at first, unable to extract the driver’s body for fear of being electrocuted and the driver’s body was only recovered after Tesla dispatched its technicians to provide the much needed help.

While investigations are being held to determine the cause of the accident it’s still unclear why the built in safety features on the Tesla didn’t save the driver.

“Tesla launched a full investigation. Once the outcome is known, Tesla will share with the public,” the company said.

About author

Matthew Griffin

Matthew Griffin, described as “The Adviser behind the Advisers” and a “Young Kurzweil,” is the founder and CEO of the World Futures Forum and the 311 Institute, a global Futures and Deep Futures consultancy working between the dates of 2020 to 2070, and is an award winning futurist, and author of “Codex of the Future” series. Regularly featured in the global media, including AP, BBC, Bloomberg, CNBC, Discovery, RT, Viacom, and WIRED, Matthew’s ability to identify, track, and explain the impacts of hundreds of revolutionary emerging technologies on global culture, industry and society, is unparalleled. Recognised for the past six years as one of the world’s foremost futurists, innovation and strategy experts Matthew is an international speaker who helps governments, investors, multi-nationals and regulators around the world envision, build and lead an inclusive, sustainable future. A rare talent Matthew’s recent work includes mentoring Lunar XPrize teams, re-envisioning global education and training with the G20, and helping the world’s largest organisations envision and ideate the future of their products and services, industries, and countries. Matthew's clients include three Prime Ministers and several governments, including the G7, Accenture, Aon, Bain & Co, BCG, Credit Suisse, Dell EMC, Dentons, Deloitte, E&Y, GEMS, Huawei, JPMorgan Chase, KPMG, Lego, McKinsey, PWC, Qualcomm, SAP, Samsung, Sopra Steria, T-Mobile, and many more.

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