Tesla was in full self-driving mode when it fatally hit Seattle-area motorcyclist: Police

A Tesla that hit and killed a motorcyclist in the Seattle area in April was operating in self-driving mode at the time of the crash, Washington State Patrol announced.

A 2022 Tesla Model S was driving behind the motorcycle eastbound on State Route 522 in Maltby, about 25 miles northeast of Seattle, on the afternoon of April 19, according to an accident report obtained by USA TODAY on Wednesday.

The Tesla was in self-driving mode and the driver was looking at his cellphone, he later told police, the agency said in a news release.

When the motorcyclist slowed because of traffic in front of him, the 56-year-old Tesla driver crashed into him, according to the report. The motorcyclist, 28-year-old Jeffrey Nissen of Stanwood, was killed.

Here's what to know about the crash, Tesla's self-driving mode and whether the driver will face charges.

Tesla driver arrested after crash

The Tesla driver was arrested on suspicion of vehicular homicide and admitted to officers that he was distracted and did not have full control of the car, police said, adding that he was not impaired.

The driver posted bond before his initial hearing and the case was referred to the Snohomish County Prosecutor to determine if he will be formally charged, police said.   

Vehicles with self-driving capabilities are not allowed in Washington "other than those unique situations that are under certified testing arrangements with the Department of Licensing,” Chris Loftis, a Washington State Patrol spokesman told USA TODAY on Wednesday. “Currently three companies – NVIDIA, Waymo, and Zoox – are certified for testing-only in the state.”  

Loftis also said that drivers in Washington are “always responsible for the safe and legal operation of their vehicle.”  

“A car may have the capacity to be driven autonomously but that does not give the driver the legal right to do so,” he said. "Our laws govern our behavior even if a specific vehicle’s capacity offers options outside the law, safety, and courtesy.“

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Tesla’s autopilot and self-driving modes  

Many of Tesla’s models are equipped with autopilot and self-driving modes. The automotive company outlines some guidance for drivers who plan to use the features and warns that the features "do not make the vehicle autonomous.”  

“While using Autopilot, it is your responsibility to stay alert, keep your hands on the steering wheel at all times and maintain control of your vehicle,” an article on the company's website said. “Autopilot and Full Self-Driving capability are intended for use with a fully attentive driver, who has their hands on the wheel and is prepared to take over at any moment.”

In April, an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration concluded that "Autopilot’s control may be insufficient to prevent crashes due to lack of driver engagement."

During the investigation, the government agency identified at least 13 fatalities and 32 injuries that may have been caused while Teslas were in autopilot mode.

Who is Jeffrey Nissen?

Nissen was engaged to be married and was about to become a stepfather to three young children, a KIRO-TV reported.

Nissen's fiancé, Janae Hutchinson, said he was a father figure to her children and allowed her to quit her job to focus on her small business and be a full-time mother, she told the station.

“It’s so difficult for me to try and console my kids and say, ‘I’m so sorry. He’s not coming home,’” she told the station. “He was like a dad to them. He taught them how to work on motorcycles. He taught my youngest how to ride a bike. He took us on adventures."

Hutchinson told the news station that she blames the Tesla driver for the crash.

“I was so angry that someone could feel comfortable enough to rely on their vehicle to move them through traffic, and that they thought they could look at their phone, and just a split second, it took somebody’s life,” she told the station.

Hutchinson said she hopes Tesla will work on their safety features to prevent another crash.

“It’s really ironic what is considered to be one of the safe vehicles that has the best features that can protect somebody would take someone’s life,” she told KIRO-TV.

USA TODAY was working to reach Tesla to comment on the crash.

Ahjané Forbes is a reporter on the National Trending Team at USA TODAY. Ahjané covers breaking news, car recalls, crime, health, lottery and public policy stories. Email her at [email protected]. Follow her on Instagram, Threads and X (Twitter) @forbesfineest.