Another “self-driving” vehicle crashes

A southern Illinois radio station is reporting that yet another Tesla car that was being driven in Autopilot mode has crashed. This time, the Tesla slammed into a parked police car, WJBD of Salem says.

This crash goes onto the growing list of motor vehicle accidents involving Teslas on Autopilot.

It should be noted that on its website, Tesla makes the following claim: “All Tesla vehicles produced in our factory, including Model 3, have the hardware needed for full self-driving capability at a safety level substantially greater than that of a human driver.”

The latest Autopilot wreck happened in Laguna Beach, California. Police there have not yet released details on the crash, but did say that the driver sustained minor injuries and that the police vehicle was unoccupied and parked at the time of the crash.

A Tesla spokesperson later said, “When using Autopilot, drivers are continuously reminded of their responsibility to keep their hands on the wheel and maintain control of the vehicle at all times.” The spokesperson added that the semi-autonomous “Autopilot doesn’t make the car impervious to all accidents.”

Clearly.

A 28-year-old Utah woman who was using Autopilot slammed into the rear of a stopped fire truck earlier this month. That wreck was two months after a Tesla driver in California crashed into a concrete barrier. He, too, was driving in Autopilot mode.

Though these self-driving features might help Tesla and other carmakers to sell vehicles, many are wondering if the technology has been pushed too far, too fast.

If you have been injured in a traffic crash caused by a negligent or reckless driver, contact a law firm experienced in personal injury litigation.