The first confirmed fatality in a self-driving Tesla is sure to generate an emotional reaction and serve as an example of risks associated with using self-driving technologies. While tragic, this incident should serve as a reminder that the self-driving technology, especially when operated in a mixed environment where there are other vehicles under human control, will experience situations that may result in fatalities. We should also be mindful that this is the first fatality after 130 million miles and compare that to the fatality rate of human driving of 1.08 fatalities per 100 million miles. Self-driving will not result in zero fatalities although I am certain that the entire industry will learn from this tragedy and make improvements to ensure that the technology improves. To regulators I would say resist the temptation to answer this tragedy with more regulation and to lawmakers I would say resist the temptation to politicize and provide a legal response. I am certain that the market will respond promptly and vigorously to this unfortunate incident to make improvements to the technology. This is a learning experience that was predictable. We can all do best to keep calm and carry on down the path to accelerate safe and accessible self-driving technologies.
