The United States is gripped by another fatal Tesla crash, prompting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a special investigation into the accident.

The incident, which occurred on July 19, involved a Tesla Model Y colliding with a heavy truck, resulting in the tragic death of the Tesla’s driver.

Amidst concerns about the involvement of advanced driver assistance systems, the NHTSA has taken a proactive stance to delve into the circumstances surrounding the accident. The crash, which took place in Warrenton, Virginia, claimed the life of a 57-year-old Tesla driver.

The collision transpired when a tractor-trailer truck attempted to make a turn onto a highway from a truck stop. The Tesla, striking the side of the truck, tragically went beneath it, leading to the driver’s immediate demise. In response, the driver of the tractor-trailer was slapped with a summons for reckless driving.

The incident brings to the fore the ongoing debate surrounding Tesla’s Autopilot feature. Introduced with the intention of providing automated lane control, acceleration, and braking, Autopilot has raised concerns about its level of reliability and the necessity for human intervention. Tesla has consistently emphasized that the system should always be used with an actively engaged driver at the helm.

The NHTSA’s decision to undertake this special crash investigation isn’t an isolated occurrence. In the past, the agency has initiated over thirty similar investigations into Tesla crashes, where Autopilot’s role was suspected. Shockingly, these accidents have collectively resulted in twenty-three fatalities since 2016.

The recent incident in Virginia isn’t the only tragedy to cast a shadow on Tesla’s reputation. Another collision, this time in California on July 5, prompted the NHTSA to launch a separate investigation.

A head-on collision between a 2018 Tesla Model 3 and a 2013 Subaru Impreza led to the untimely demise of the 17-year-old driver of the Subaru and critically injured a three-month-old passenger in the Tesla, who succumbed to injuries several days later.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, when asked about the ongoing investigation into Tesla’s Autopilot, offered no substantial updates but emphasized the importance of a thorough and responsible inquiry.