NRT briefing
Outrageous moment sleeping Tesla driver gets rude awakening as he crashes into California patrol car
Based on reporting by New York Post.
The Brief
A 22-year-old Sacramento man told California Highway Patrol officers he was asleep while his Tesla was in Full Self-Driving mode when the car allegedly struck a CHP cruiser at freeway speed on Oct. 13, seriously injuring two officers. The crash occurred on eastbound Interstate 80 west of Air Base Parkway, in a closed lane marked by flares, cones, and flashing emergency lights.
The driver sustained minor injuries; the officers were recovering from serious injuries. CHP stated to KRON that Full Self-Driving is not fully autonomous, but a Level 2 driver-assistance system requiring continuous supervision. Authorities have not said what charges the driver might face; the investigation is ongoing.
NRT commentary
How We See It
This incident illustrates a growing hazard as drivers overtrust advanced driver-assistance systems. The system itself is not at fault; the driver's decision to sleep while operating a two-ton vehicle is. CHP's reminder that Tesla's system is not fully autonomous is crucial, but public perception often lags behind regulations.
This could fuel calls for stronger enforcement against misuse of such systems, which might be a welcome check on driver complacency. However, adding new charges for a single incident risks overregulation, so authorities should apply existing reckless-driving laws first.
Commentary uses AI assistance. What is How We See It? Read about our automated checks or report a correction.