safety
Fed probe suggests Tesla's self-driving feature wasn't to blame in crash that killed a grandmother
By AP via Scripps News Group at KXXV (ABC 25) News
· 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 Waco
The recent federal probe into the Tesla crash in Katy, Texas, has significant implications for Waco residents who share roads with vehicles equipped with self-driving features. As the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration continues to investigate the safety of Tesla's self-driving technology, local drivers may wonder about the potential risks of encountering these vehicles on Waco's streets. With the NHTSA having already launched a probe into 58 incidents involving Teslas and self-driving technology, resulting in numerous crashes, fires, and injuries, Waco commuters may be concerned about the potential consequences of a similar accident occurring in their community. The fact that the NTSB's report suggests the driver, not the self-driving software, was to blame in this instance may provide some reassurance, but it also highlights the need for continued vigilance and education about the limitations of these technologies.
About this story
Original reporting by KXXV (ABC 25) News . The Waco 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 KXXV (ABC 25) News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 16, 2026 ·
Source: KXXV (ABC 25) News ·
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 KXXV (ABC 25) News and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by AP via Scripps News Group at KXXV (ABC 25) News. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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