safety
Tesla drove 142 mph before mom and toddler killed on Highway 87 in San Jose: DA
By Amy Larson at KRON4 (KRON-TV)
· July 16, 2026
· 1 min read
SAN JOSE, Calif. (KRON) -- A Tesla driver was arrested and charged with murder this week after a mother and her baby died in a fiery crash on Highway 87 in San Jose. The Tesla driver, 31-year-old Zachary Chernicky of San Jose, was allegedly driving 142 mph seconds before he caused the deadly col...
Key takeaway (KRON) -- A Tesla driver was arrested and charged with murder this week after a mother and her baby died in a fiery crash on Highway 87 in San Jose.
Why this matters in The San Francisco
The tragic incident on Highway 87 in San Jose raises concerns about the safety of electric vehicles on Bay Area roads. As the investigation into the crash continues, San Francisco residents may wonder about the potential risks of EVs on local highways, such as those connecting San Francisco to neighboring cities. The fact that two Teslas were involved in the collision and caught fire underscores the need for local authorities to review emergency response protocols for EV-related incidents. San Francisco's own experiences with traffic accidents and vehicle fires may inform its approach to addressing these concerns, potentially leading to updates in training for first responders or changes in highway safety infrastructure. The city's proximity to San Jose means that many residents may regularly drive on Highway 87, making the outcome of this investigation particularly relevant to San Francisco's community.
About this story
Original reporting by KRON4 (KRON-TV) . The San Francisco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KRON4 (KRON-TV) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 16, 2026 ·
Source: KRON4 (KRON-TV) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? SAN JOSE, Calif. (KRON) -- A Tesla driver was arrested and charged with murder this week after a mother and her baby died in a fiery crash on Highway 87 in San Jose. The Tesla driver, 31-year-old Zachary Chernicky of San Jose, was allegedly driving 142 mph seconds before he caused the deadly col...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 16, 2026 by KRON4 (KRON-TV) and curated for The San Francisco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Amy Larson at KRON4 (KRON-TV). To learn more about how The San Francisco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The San Francisco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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