‘Self-Driving’ Tesla Slams Into Cop Automotive in Orange County, California

A Tesla in “self-driving” mode slammed into an unoccupied police automotive throughout the early morning hours of Thursday, in accordance with the Fullerton Police Division. Nobody was injured within the crash, however bodycam footage exhibits a police officer sprinting out of the best way to keep away from getting hit.

The officer within the footage was managing site visitors in Fullerton on the intersection of W. Orangethorpe Ave. and Courtney Ave. after a lethal site visitors accident involving a motorcyclist, in accordance with an announcement posted to Instagram by the Fullerton PD.

“The police automobile had its emergency lights on and a number of other flares have been positioned on the highway when a blue Tesla crashed into the police automobile, which was blocking site visitors,” the assertion reads.

“Because of the fast response of the police officer, who noticed the oncoming automobile and swiftly moved to the facet of the highway, together with the off-duty police dispatcher who was using with him, a possible catastrophe was averted,” the assertion continued.

The individual behind the wheel of the Tesla has not been named, however police say he admitted to being on his cellphone throughout the crash, in accordance with KTLA. The native TV information station aired footage of the aftermath, exhibiting the wrecked Tesla and the police automobile.

The title of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) characteristic was just lately modified to Full Self-Driving (Supervised), in an try to make it clear that drivers shouldn’t depend on the expertise to maintain them protected from crashes. However Tesla CEO Elon Musk has actually been sending blended messages on that entrance, together with just yesterday on the Tesla shareholder’s assembly in Austin, Texas, the place the billionaire touted simply how protected FSD is meant to be.

Tesla didn’t reply to an electronic mail for remark concerning the accident. Tesla has beforehand defended itself from allegations that FSD isn’t protected by pointing to disclaimers that state drivers ought to at all times be listening to the highway.

“This incident underscores the significance of alertness and accountable driving,” Fullerton PD wrote, “Even in conditions the place the highway is blocked and emergency lights are on.”