A woman has been charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter after allegedly causing a fatal crash while driving under the influence and using an automated driving system. Authorities say the woman, whose identity has not yet been publicly released, was operating her vehicle in hands-free mode when she struck and killed two pedestrians on a busy street late Monday night.
The incident occurred in a suburban area of Los Angeles, where witnesses reported seeing the car traveling at high speed before it veered off the road and hit the victims, who were walking on the sidewalk. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but both victims were pronounced dead shortly after the crash.
Investigators say the woman had been relying on the vehicle’s automated driving system at the time of the accident, believing it would maintain control of the car. However, law enforcement officials point out that most hands-free systems require drivers to remain alert and ready to take control at any moment, especially in unpredictable driving situations.
Preliminary toxicology reports indicate that the driver was intoxicated at the time of the crash, prompting authorities to charge her with driving under the influence (DUI) as well as two counts of involuntary manslaughter. Prosecutors argue that her reliance on the automated system, combined with her impaired state, led to the tragic deaths.
The case raises renewed questions about the safety of hands-free and autonomous driving technologies, particularly when combined with impaired driving. While automakers have emphasized that these systems are designed to assist rather than replace drivers, incidents like this one have led to increased scrutiny over whether stricter regulations or clearer guidelines are needed.
The woman has been taken into custody and is awaiting her initial court appearance. If convicted, she faces significant prison time. The families of the victims are calling for justice, and the case has drawn widespread attention as it unfolds.
