A California jury has ruled that a fatal crash involving a Tesla vehicle, which resulted in the death of the owner and serious injuries to two passengers, was not caused by the carmaker’s driver-assistance software. This case marked the first instance where lawyers representing the victims blamed Tesla’s Autopilot system for a fatal accident. The Autopilot system allows for partial vehicle autonomy but has faced criticism for its reliability. The outcome of this trial could influence future judgments in similar cases across the United States and impact consumer perceptions of Tesla vehicles, which dominate the electric car market. Despite Elon Musk’s optimism about self-driving technology, Tesla’s software still requires driver engagement and readiness to take control of the vehicle. In this particular case, the plaintiffs alleged a malfunction in Tesla’s software, while the defense argued that human error, possibly related to alcohol consumption by the driver, was the primary cause of the accident. The verdict may have broader implications for the development and public acceptance of autonomous driving technology.