49ers Coach Shanahan Recounts Tesla Accident, Cites Autopilot Uncertainty
Translated from Slovenian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
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- San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan described a June car accident where he sustained multiple fractures and a concussion, believing his Tesla's autopilot system may have malfunctioned.
- Shanahan was trying to retrieve a dropped phone when the car veered into oncoming traffic, colliding with another vehicle.
- He stressed that drivers remain responsible for paying attention, regardless of autopilot use, and is gradually returning to coaching duties.
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has spoken about a serious car accident in June that left him with multiple fractures and a concussion, which has impacted his return to coaching. Shanahan believes his Tesla's autopilot system may have been engaged and potentially malfunctioned before the collision.
I don't know what happened when I turned around, whether the system failed or I somehow managed to turn it off. This has never happened to me before.
The incident occurred when Shanahan was driving in Palo Alto and dropped his mobile phone. While attempting to retrieve it, he took his eyes off the road, and the car reportedly swerved into the opposite lane, hitting a Mercedes SUV. Shanahan, who has used Tesla's autopilot for nine years, expressed uncertainty about whether the system failed or if he inadvertently disengaged it.
"I don't know what happened when I turned around, whether the system failed or I somehow managed to turn it off. This has never happened to me before," Shanahan stated. Despite the technology's role, he emphasized personal responsibility, saying, "Regardless, the driver is always to blame, whether they use autopilot or not. You must not take your eyes off the road. Driving is a partnership; you can't simply hand the car over to a computer."
Regardless, the driver is always to blame, whether they use autopilot or not. You must not take your eyes off the road. Driving is a partnership; you can't simply hand the car over to a computer.
Shanahan suffered broken ribs, a fractured left arm, and a deep laceration above his right eye requiring over 40 stitches. He experienced concussion symptoms for weeks. The driver of the other vehicle was unharmed, and police did not penalize either party. Alcohol and drugs were ruled out as factors. Shanahan is now gradually returning to his coaching role and plans to lead the 49ers in an upcoming preseason game.
I can't tell you how close I am. I'm coming there. And I'll be there.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Delo in Slovenian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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