The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will investigate the December 7, 2019 crash of a 2018 Tesla Model 3 in Norwalk, Connecticut that reportedly occurred with the Autopilot function engaged.
The incident saw the Model 3 slam into the rear of a police car on Interstate 95 as authorities were responding to a disabled vehicle in the left-center lane. Police had the emergency lights on their cars activated and had established a flare pattern behind the cruisers. After hitting one of the police cars, the Tesla also made contact with the disabled vehicle.
https://www.facebook.com/connecticutstatepolice/posts/2559517627610906
Speaking to police at the scene, the Tesla Model 3 driver stated that Autopilot was enabled and that he was checking on his dog sitting in the back seat prior to the collision. No one was injured in the crash and the Tesla driver was charged with reckless driving and reckless endangerment.
Similar Accident: NTSB Says Autopilot Was Engaged At 2018 Tesla Model S Crash In California
It is understood that this is the 12th crash potentially tied to the company’s Autopilot driver assistance system that has been investigated by the NHTSA, Reuters reports.
“This crash could’ve been avoided. While autonomous vehicles are an exciting development, the tech is simply not ready to be deployed safely. Congress must act to protect the public from these vehicles until their safety can be assured,” Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut stated after the incident.
Both Tesla and the NHTSA advise drivers to keep their hands on the steering wheel and pay attention at all times while using Autopilot – an advice that, apparently, many owners don’t seem to take too seriously.
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