Tesla found partly liable in deadly Autopilot crash

Legal & Financial Implications - Tesla was ordered to pay $243 million to victims of a 2019 fatal crash due to flaws in its self-driving software [1] - The verdict is considered a significant setback for Tesla, impacting its focus on developing self-driving taxis [2] - Tesla plans to appeal the verdict, asserting the driver was solely at fault [3] Technological & Safety Concerns - The jury found Tesla's self-driving software partly to blame for the accident [1] - The driver believed autopilot would brake if an obstacle was present [2] - The driver's foot was on the accelerator while he was distracted, overriding autopilot [3] - The case highlights safety failures with Tesla's autopilot system, even with driver distraction [4] - The incident raises concerns about using production vehicles as beta tests on public roads [2] Expert & Public Opinion - The case is unprecedented because Tesla was held responsible despite the driver's admission of distraction [4] - The incident serves as a reminder that drivers should remain alert even as self-driving technology improves [4]