A Tesla in self-drive mode crashed into a cop car as its driver used their cellphone, California police say.
Fullerton police said one of its officers was directing traffic shortly after midnight on June 13 at an intersection following a fatal traffic accident, according to a news release from the department.
As the officer worked, their car sat blocking traffic with its emergency lights on and flares around when a blue Tesla slammed into the car, police said.
Body camera footage shared by police on Instagram shows headlights approaching as an officer sprints to the side of the road.
Moments later, the approaching car comes to a halt after slamming into the police car, surveillance video shared by the department shows.
“A potential disaster was averted,” police said.
After the crash, the driver admitted to using the Tesla’s self-drive mode as they used their cellphone, “a clear violation of responsible driving practices and California law,” according to police.
Tesla did not immediately respond to McClatchy News’ request for comment on June 14.
Police urged that while “self-driving mode can be convenient,” drivers should be alert and “ready to take over at any moment.”
Though there are currently no laws governing self-drive mode, police said “all rules and laws of the road still apply to the driver while controlling the vehicle.”
The driver, who stayed on scene, is cooperating with police during the ongoing investigation.
Fullerton is about a 30-mile drive southeast from Los Angeles. – The Charlotte Observer/Tribune News Service
