Trial over deadly Florida crash revolves around Tesla's Autopilot functionality

A civil trial has recommenced in Florida this week, centering on the safety of Tesla vehicles and the potential role of their self-driving capabilities in a fatal 2019 crash. The trial jury will deliberate on whether Tesla's autonomous features played a role in the accident, in which a Tesla in autopilot mode collided with an SUV after the driver diverted attention to pick up a phone, resulting in the death of Naibel Benavides Leon and severe injuries to her boyfriend, Dillon Angulo. The plaintiffs' attorneys argue that this incident is part of a larger pattern of crashes involving Tesla's "Autopilot" system. However, the judge has restricted the jury's access to information from National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigations of other crashes, citing congressional guidance that such reports should not benefit or harm any party in a civil trial. Despite this limitation, the jury will have access to details on other accidents that may indicate Tesla was aware of defects or unsafe conditions related to Autopilot. Noteworthy testimony has been provided by a former National Highway Traffic Safety Administration official, Missy Cummings, who expressed professional concerns about Tesla's Autopilot system. Tesla's defense has questioned Cummings' credibility, highlighting her past work with attorneys suing the company and emphasizing the driver's role in the Florida crash. Tesla maintains that Autopilot is intended for use by attentive drivers with hands on the wheel.