Shawn Douglas Kroll Fatal Tesla Road Departure with Reported Driver Assistance
Shawn Douglas Kroll, 29, died when his Tesla Model S left Interstate 5 near Central Point, Oregon, and struck a tree on June 5, 2023. Oregon State Police described the departure’s cause as unknown. A matching NHTSA manufacturer-submitted crash report, 13781-5673, lists driver assistance engaged; its narrative is redacted and does not establish a software defect.
Truck Driver Killed by Tesla with Autosteer on E18 near Arendal, Norway
A truck driver standing beside a stopped semitrailer was killed by a Tesla Model S on Norway’s E18 near Arendal on May 29, 2020. The Tesla’s adaptive cruise control and Autosteer were active. Norway’s safety investigation concluded the narrow shoulder and lack of hazard detection were the dominant contributors, while driver-assistance use may have reduced the driver’s engagement. The Tesla driver received a 90-day custodial sentence for gross negligence.
Gao Yaning Fatal Tesla Crash and Early Autopilot Lawsuit in China
Gao Yaning, 23, died on January 20, 2016 when his Tesla Model S struck a road-sweeping vehicle in Hebei, China. His father Gao Jubin sued Tesla alleging Autopilot was operating and failed to respond. Tesla said crash damage prevented it from confirming system engagement. No adjudicated software-causation finding was established.