The California Highway Patrol released this image of one of its vehicles following a collision with a Tesla. (CHP)
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The California Highway Patrol hopes that newly released dashcam video serves as a wake-up call for drivers who take dangerous chances with their automated driver assistance systems.
Big picture view:
On Thursday, the state law enforcement agency posted the video showing multiple angles of a wreck on I-80, between San Francisco and Sacramento, involving a Tesla and one of its patrol vehicles. CHP’s statement indicated that the two state officers who were in the vehicle at the time were seriously injured in the crash.
The collision happened as the officers were on the scene of another crash and were helping divert traffic into the slow lane, CHP explained. The agency explained the cruiser’s emergency lights were activated, and road flares and cones surrounded the scene. Despite all that, the video shows the Tesla coming up behind the law enforcement vehicle and crashing into the back of it.
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On Autopilot?
The driver of the Tesla told investigators that he was sleeping at the time of the crash and that the vehicle’s self-driving features were in control.
What they’re saying:
“Despite its name, full self-driving is not fully autonomous,” CHP reminded drivers in its post. “Technology does not relieve drivers of their responsibility to safely operate their vehicles.”
What’s next:
Authorities did not release the name of the driver, who was identified only as a 22-year-old man from Sacramento, nor did they indicate if he will face charges in connection with the collision.
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As of Friday, the officers had been released from the hospital.