A crash in California has revived concerns about driver assistance systems. Electrek reports that two California Highway Patrol officers are recovering from serious injuries after a Tesla drove into their patrol car at a crash scene on Interstate 80 in Fairfield. The 22-year-old driver told investigators that he was asleep with Tesla's Full Self-Driving system engaged, according to the report.
The CHP released dashcam video of the impact on Thursday. Electrek describes it as the latest Tesla to hit an emergency scene, a pattern that federal regulators began investigating five years ago. I have only seen the summary, and I cannot verify the driver's statement, so it is important to wait for the official investigation to determine what happened.
Tesla's Full Self-Driving is classed as a driver assistance system that requires the driver to pay attention and be ready to take over, even though its name suggests more. Falling asleep while using such a system is dangerous and against the rules. Regulators and safety groups have long argued that driver monitoring and clear communication are essential, so that drivers understand the limits of the technology.
The story is relevant to the whole industry as companies such as GM, Stellantis and Rivian prepare more advanced hands-free and eyes-off systems. Whatever the technology, drivers remain responsible unless a system is explicitly certified to take full responsibility. For readers, the lesson is to use assistance features as aids, to stay alert and to avoid driving when tired. Watch for the results of the CHP investigation and any action by federal safety regulators.
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