Collision in Fullerton
A Tesla in autopilot mode collided with a police patrol car in Fullerton, California, during Wednesday night at the intersection of W. Orangethorpe and Courtney avenues. According to the Fullerton Police Department report, the incident occurred while an officer was investigating a previous fatal accident.
The involved patrol car had its emergency lights on, and several signal flares had been placed on the road to alert other drivers to the accident scene.
The Tesla driver, according to police statements in a press release, admitted to activating the autopilot mode of their vehicle while handling their cell phone, an action that constitutes a clear violation of responsible driving and road safety laws in California.
Although the impact was significant, fortunately, no serious injuries were reported at the accident scene. The Tesla driver has been cooperating with authorities during the investigation of the incident.
The incident occurred in a context where police were already investigating a fatal accident involving a motorcyclist. According to preliminary reports, a driver had collided with the motorcyclist, resulting in the tragic loss of a life. However, additional details about this accident were not immediately available as police continued their investigation.
This incident highlights concerns about safety and responsibility when using advanced driving technologies such as Tesla's autopilot mode, especially in heavy traffic situations or when there are road emergencies present.
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