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Semi-autonomous Tesla avoids killing pedestrian

July 23rd, 2016  |  Auto

After a fatal collision fueled negative press for Tesla and its Autopilot program one Tesla owner countered the negativity by reminding everyone that the technology can also save lives.

Digital Trends reports that a Washington D.C. Tesla driver who identifies himself as Larry sent the company a letter explaining how his car probably saved a life one night. The letter explains how after hearing an approaching siren, Larry was looking around for the source when a pedestrian in dark clothing walked out in front of the car.

The car warned him, but before he could do anything the automatic brakes engaged and brought the car to a stop mere inches away from the jaywalker. As Digital Trends points out, automatic emergency braking is actually a standard safety feature on the Model S and not part of the Autopilot package. Regardless, the story is an important reminder that while that fatal collision should make you think twice about relying totally on a self-driving system, that technology can really improve road safety when combined with good driving habits.