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49ers coach Kyle Shanahan says Tesla Autopilot was engaged during crash

Created at 10 Aug · 4:26 PM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan stated that Tesla's Autopilot was active during a recent head-on collision, though he accepted full responsibility for the incident. The crash resulted in significant injuries for Shanahan.

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Key Numbers

40+stitches for facial cut
9 yearsShanahan's experience with Autopilot

Who's Involved

Kyle Shanahan
Head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, involved in a Tesla crash
Tesla
Automaker whose Autopilot system was engaged during the crash
49ers coach Kyle Shanahan says Tesla Autopilot was engaged during crash

↳ Why This Matters

The incident involving a prominent public figure like Kyle Shanahan highlights ongoing concerns and debates surrounding the safety and reliability of Tesla's Autopilot and other advanced driver-assistance systems, emphasizing the critical need for driver attentiveness.

Key facts

  • San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said his Tesla Model S was on Autopilot during a head-on collision.
  • Shanahan took full responsibility for the crash, stating it was his fault.
  • He was trying to retrieve a dropped phone when the accident occurred.
  • The crash resulted in Shanahan sustaining a concussion, three broken ribs, a broken nose, a broken left hand, and a facial cut requiring more than 40 stitches.
  • Shanahan plans to be on the field for the 49ers' preseason opener.

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed that Tesla's Autopilot system was engaged during a head-on collision he was involved in on July 14. Speaking at his first press conference since the incident, Shanahan stated that he took his eyes off the road to retrieve a dropped phone, leading his Tesla Model S to cross into oncoming traffic and strike a Mercedes-Benz SUV.

Shanahan emphasized that he accepted full responsibility for the crash, acknowledging that the experience served as a lesson about the limitations of driver-assistance technology. He noted that while he has used Autopilot for nine years and felt comfortable with it, the incident highlighted that drivers must remain attentive at all times. He was unsure if he had inadvertently disengaged Autopilot while searching for his phone.

The crash left Shanahan with a concussion, three broken ribs, a broken nose, a broken left hand, and a facial cut requiring over 40 stitches. He expressed anger at himself for causing an accident that he believes was avoidable and could have endangered others. Despite his injuries, Shanahan confirmed his intention to be present on the field for the 49ers' preseason opener against the Tennessee Titans on August 13.

Frequently asked questions

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan was involved in a head-on collision while driving his Tesla, which he stated was using Autopilot at the time. He sustained multiple injuries.

Shanahan suffered a concussion, three broken ribs, a broken nose, a broken left hand, and a facial cut that required more than 40 stitches.

He took full responsibility, stating it was his fault for taking his eyes off the road to retrieve a dropped phone, and acknowledged it was a lesson about driver-assistance technology.

No, Shanahan stated he was using the more basic Autopilot system, not the Full Self-Driving (Supervised) feature.

What Happens Next

01Shanahan to be on the field for the 49ers' preseason opener on August 13.

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Cadence

How It Developed

Kyle Shanahan was involved in a head-on collision with another vehicle.
Shanahan stated his Tesla Model S was using Autopilot during the crash.
He took full responsibility for the accident, attributing it to taking his eyes off the road.
Shanahan sustained a concussion, three broken ribs, a broken nose, a broken hand, and facial cuts requiring over 40 stitches.
He plans to return to the field for the 49ers' preseason opener.

Sources

T1
49ers coach Kyle Shanahan says his Tesla was on Autopilot when he crashed — but it's 'always your fault'Business Insider

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