AUSTIN, Texas — A motorcyclist was killed in a crash on State Highway 130 near FM 969 early Tuesday morning.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the motorcyclist’s rear tire blew out around 5 a.m., causing the rider to lose control and fall onto the roadway. The motorcycle came to rest on the shoulder.
Authorities reported that the rider was subsequently struck by two vehicles, including an SUV and a Tesla operating in Autopilot mode. The Tesla driver indicated that the vehicle did not detect the person lying on the roadway.
The motorcyclist, who has not been identified, was pronounced dead at the scene. Lane closures were in effect as DPS conducted its investigation.
Witnesses reported that the high-speed environment on SH 130, with an 80 mph speed limit, may have contributed to the difficulty in detecting the downed motorcyclist.
No additional information regarding potential charges has been released as the investigation continues. Transportation experts have noted that both human drivers and autonomous vehicles may struggle to react in such low visibility conditions.