Philippines: Tesla driver faces backlash after hit-and-run accident

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) recently summoned the electric vehicle driver who fled the scene of an accident after hitting a motorcycle passenger on September 25, 2024 near Nuvali in Santa Rosa, Laguna, about 50 km south of Manila had dragged along.

Tesla vehicles are equipped with an array of cameras and come with “fully autonomous driving” software that is programmed to perform better than human drivers and avoid accidents.

A now-viral video posted by automotive news site VISOR captured the incident, prompting the LTO to issue a “show cause” order against the blue driver of the Tesla Model Y.

The footage shows a Yamaha Sight motorcycle stopping in front of the crossover electric vehicle on the road near a security station in Nuvali, a 2,500-hectare mixed-use development area spanning the towns of Sta. Rosa, Cabuyao and Calamba in Laguna.

As one of the motorcycle passengers approached the Tesla, the vehicle accelerated and hit the person.

Despite attempts by the motorcyclist to pursue the Tesla, the electric car managed to escape.

According to VISOR, the Tesla had repeatedly cut off the motorcycle before the altercation.

LTO Chief Assistant Vigor Mendoza II confirmed the incident and ordered an investigation based on a police report from the Santa Rosa Component City Police Station in Laguna province, south of Manila.

LTO-Calabarzon Director Elmer Decena signed the order saying police have determined that the vehicle owner was behind the wheel at the time of the incident.

The Tesla driver is now charged under Article V, Section 48 of Republic Act No. 4136, the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.

You have five days to provide a satisfactory explanation or face disciplinary action.