Tesla crash victim used autopilot feature for social media fame
The driver of a Tesla that was involved in a fatal car crash outside of Los Angeles had reportedly posted videos on social media of him using the Autopilot feature without his hands on the wheel or foot on the pedal according to California highway officials.
On May 5, 35-year-old Steven Michael Hendrickson was killed after his Tesla Model 3 that was on Autopilot struck a semi in Fontana, Calif., at around 2:30 a.m.
Hendrickson’s Instagram account often featured videos of him showing off his white Tesla. One particular video on his account showed him driving without his extremities on the wheel or pedals with the caption, “Best carpool buddy possible even takes the boring traffic for me,” according to the Associated Press.
At home, Hendrickson was a member of Tesla Club-SoCal, a chapter of a famous Tesla enthusiasts club.
“Every time we spoke to him, he would light up talking about his kids and loved his Tesla,” the group said on Instagram. “He was truly an amazing human being and will be missed!”
The revelation of Hendrickson’s social media comes after California Highway Patrol officials announced that the Autopilot feature “was engaged” before the crash. However, officials clarified that initial report by saying that “there has not been a final determination made as to what driving mode the Tesla was in or if it was a contributing factor to the crash.”
With Wire News Services
