safety
Fed probe suggests Tesla's self-driving feature wasn't to blame in crash that killed a grandmother
By Bernard Condon, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 16, 2026
· 3 min read
Federal safety investigators looking into a runaway Tesla that killed a grandmother in her home say the driver had pressed the accelerator to full speed, suggesting the vehicle's self-driving software was not to blame.The driver had told police that he had the self-driving software turned on, but...
Key takeaway Moments later the Tesla Model 3 raced down a residential street in Katy, Texas, at highway speeds, slammed into a brick home and killed a 76-year-old woman standing in the front room.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
The findings of the National Transportation Safety Board on the Tesla crash in Katy, Texas, have significant implications for San Antonio residents who share roads with vehicles equipped with self-driving features. As the city's population grows and traffic increases, the potential for similar accidents rises. San Antonio's own experiences with vehicle safety will be influenced by the ongoing investigations into Tesla's self-driving technology by federal agencies. The fact that the driver in the Katy crash had overridden the self-driving feature by pressing the accelerator to full speed raises questions about driver education and the need for clear guidelines on the use of such technology. With the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration already investigating multiple incidents involving Teslas and self-driving features, San Antonio drivers should be aware of the potential risks and stay informed about developments in vehicle safety regulations.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 16, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Federal safety investigators looking into a runaway Tesla that killed a grandmother in her home say the driver had pressed the accelerator to full speed, suggesting the vehicle's self-driving software was not to blame.The driver had told police that he had the self-driving software turned on, but...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 16, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Bernard Condon, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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