Best guess: The vehicles in front of him absorbed the energy "slowly" (the pulse was stretched out) and in effect acted as a crash cushion.
Posted on 07/17/2026 8:10:48 PM PDT by BenLurkin
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 collision, according to prosecutors and the California Highway Patrol.
Two of the vehicles tangled in the four-car collision were Teslas that burst into flames on the busy highway on December 2, 2025, the CHP said.
Ivana Balistreri, 30, and her 2-year-old toddler, Lilliana, were passengers in a Lexus that also caught fire, according to family and investigators. The mother and toddler died, while the Lexus driver was hospitalized.
A lengthy investigation revealed that Chernicky was driving 142 mph 15 seconds before the crash, 126 mph 5 seconds before the crash, and 102 when he plowed into the back of the Lexus, prosecutors said Friday. The victims’ Lexus was stopped in heavy traffic on Highway 87 near Curtner Avenue when Chernicky’s speeding Tesla plowed into the back of it.
Balistreri and her baby “were burned to death in the crash,” the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office wrote. CHP officers conducted a months-long investigation to determine which driver caused the wreck.
CHP officials wrote, “After a thorough investigation, the driver of one of the Tesla’s, Zachary Chernicky from San Jose, was determined to be at fault for this crash. A warrant for Chernicky’s arrest was issued, and on Monday, July 13, 2026, officers from the San Jose CHP office arrested Chernicky.”
(Excerpt) Read more at ktla.com ...
“What does the car being a Tesla have to do with the story? These are plant stories from stock traders who are shorting Tesla.”
Exactly - I had a 2010 Camry with a V-6 and I once clocked out at about 142 - they claimed 115 or so, but some have reported 138 - I guess some engines were better than others - when I did my speed test, it was still pulling strong as i passed 120 - if I had more road, I might have hit 145.
If a car can go fast, and the driver is stupid enough to do it when there’s others present, it make no difference what the make/model is.
See Tagline. Most of the media are hate-driven.
Would be funny to watch a Tesla take off and lead a Nascar race for three or four laps then run out of charge and fail to finish.
I see the Tesla tie as an attempt to slander the driver. After all, only idiots drive EVs. Pretentious, narcissistic idiots. Nothing to do with the brand of crappola car. Just someone who thinks he is special and that laws don’t apply to him ‘cause he is special.
Charged with murder? Damn! Way to go, coppers. Let’s push for the death penalty for this scum.
The panopticon is watching. If you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear.
Best guess: The vehicles in front of him absorbed the energy "slowly" (the pulse was stretched out) and in effect acted as a crash cushion.
The driving here is crazy. The Chief of Police refers to it as "video game driving." and I am inclined to agree with him. But enforcement is non-existent.
15 years ago they used to run a speed trap 2 or 3 days a week in front of my house. Now you never see a police cruiser in our neighborhood, which admittedly is otherwise pretty safe. Likewise Hwy 101 - I drive it regularly and never see CHP. In the early morning I watch every singe driver blow past the metering light on the entrance from Blossom Hill. If someone slows for it the following cars lean on their horn. Insanity.
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.
At least they knew the way to San Jose.
Like the Bridge at San Luis Rey
You’re right. This is an attack on TESLA. Nothing more. If it had been a Subaru, the story wouldn’t have been written.
Gotta keep an eye on the FLOCK.
I don’t know ,but being a sheep ain’t so baaaaaaad
Gotta keep an eye on the FLOCK.
I don’t know ,but being a sheep ain’t so baaaaaaad
What a dreadful story😔
I‘d like to send prayers to Him for mother and child, and my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.
🙏🏻😢
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