Local
Pedestrian killed after Tesla collision on I-80 near Vallejo interchange
A 71-year-old man died after being hit while crossing westbound I-80 near the I-780 interchange early Thursday. The Tesla driver said the car was in Full Self-Driving mode; CHP says at least one other vehicle struck the man afterward and has not been identified.
A 71-year-old man died early Thursday after being struck while crossing westbound Interstate 80 near the I-780 interchange in Vallejo, according to the California Highway Patrol.
CHP officers were called to the collision at about 2:35 a.m. and found the pedestrian severely injured. First responders later pronounced him dead.
The driver of the Tesla, a 26-year-old San Francisco man, remained at the scene and told officers the vehicle was operating in Tesla’s Full Self-Driving mode, CHP said. Footage recorded by the car showed it traveling about 70 mph when the pedestrian entered the freeway from the right shoulder and began crossing toward the center divider, according to the agency.
CHP said the video showed the Tesla braking and steering left to avoid the man, but the car’s right front struck him. The agency said the pedestrian was then hit by at least one more vehicle while lying in the traffic lanes. No other drivers stopped to speak with investigators, and the additional vehicle and its driver have not been identified.
CHP’s Solano-area office is asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has information about the other vehicle to call 707-639-5600.