Tesla Model 3 fails to give right-of-way, kills 53-year-old Texas motorcycle rider
Let’s face it: Houston, Texas, has a driving problem. Earlier this year, Houston topped the list of the most dangerous cities in the country for violent road rage. If it’s not a disproportionate number of violent drivers, it’s distracted or just plain poor driving, like a recent case wherein a Tesla Model 3 driver failed to give right-of-way to a crossing motorcycle rider, killing him in the process.
A driver in a Tesla Model 3 failed to give the right of way to cross traffic in Houston, Texas, killing a motorcycle rider
Houston is a busy, chaotic place to drive. I know from experience. Hell, it’s the fourth most populous city in the country. That’s a whole lot of drivers. But it’s no excuse for poor driving, and an accidental death on Houston’s roads is a tragic reminder.
According to My Texas Daily, a gray Tesla Model 3 drove up to an intersection, hoping to turn left onto Lockcrest Street. Now, typically, when you prepare to make an unprotected left, you wait for clear traffic so you don’t hit drivers coming from either the left or right. Makes sense, right?
The preliminary police investigation reported that the 29-year-old Tesla Model 3 driver “failed to yield the right-of-way” before attempting the left turn. As a result, the Tesla driver struck a passing 53-year-old rider on a black Harley-Davidson Street Bob. Emergency medical staff pronounced the Harley rider dead at the scene. Police say the investigation is ongoing.
Houston police released the at-fault driver after questioning
The police report indicates that the at-fault Tesla was released after questioning. The reasoning? Police say that the driver wasn’t impaired. According to Texas-based TK Injury Law, police can arrest a motorist in an accident that results in the death of another person.
Depending on the circumstances, the living driver may face vehicular manslaughter or negligent homicide charges. To add to those repercussions, the family of the deceased may sue the living motorist.
With any luck, the Tesla driver will face consequences for negligently killing another person on the road. It is, however, a sobering and unnecessary reminder to pay attention to the rules of the road and other motorists.
