California Highway Patrol says the vehicle attempted to avoid the pedestrian before striking him, as investigators search for other motorists who allegedly hit him after the initial collision.

A 71-year-old man has been killed after being struck by a car operating in Full Self-Driving mode on a freeway in Vallejo, California, United States.

 The crash occurred on westbound Interstate 80, near the Interstate 780 interchange, raising fresh concerns about the safety of driver-assistance technology.

The vehicle was travelling at approximately 70 miles per hour when the man reportedly entered the freeway from the right shoulder and began crossing towards the central divider. 

The 26 year old driver, a San Francisco resident, told the California Highway Patrol that the car was operating in Full Self-Driving mode at the time of the collision.

A preliminary review of the vehicle’s dashboard-camera footage showed the car applying its brakes and steering left in an attempt to avoid the pedestrian. However, the highway patrol said the vehicle’s right front section struck the man despite the evasive manoeuvres.

The man was reportedly struck by at least one other vehicle while lying on the freeway after the initial impact. 

Those motorists allegedly left the scene without stopping, and their identities remain unknown. 

The 26-year-old driver stayed at the scene, cooperated with investigators and provided the footage to authorities as the California Highway Patrol appealed for witnesses and information.

The fatal crash comes amid renewed scrutiny of Full Self-Driving technology following another incident on Interstate 80 earlier this month, in which a driver reportedly fell asleep while using the system and crashed into a highway patrol vehicle, injuring two officers.

The California Highway Patrol has warned motorists not to mistake Full Self-Driving for fully autonomous driving. 

The agency stressed that drivers remain responsible for safely operating their vehicles even when driver assistance systems are engaged, as the investigation into the fatal collision continues.