A Tesla struck a patrol car of the state trooper and another vehicle on an interstate just outside Orlando.
Federal investigators found that the vehicle was in Autopilot mode. This mode can make it difficult to recognize emergency vehicles with flashing lights.
Tesla was criticized for its name. It does not allow cars to be autonomous.
Loading... Click to sign up for Insider marketing emails. You also agree to receive partner offers.
Local media reports that a Tesla believed to be in Autopilot mode struck a Florida state trooper's patrol vehicle and another vehicle on a Florida highway early Saturday morning.
Florida Highway Patrol reported that the trooper stopped in Florida with his emergency lights on. He was trying to help another car, which was stopped on the interstate at Orlando just before 5 AM.
According to ClickOrlando's crash report, the Tesla failed to pass the interstate when it approached the vehicles. It eventually hit both cars and almost missed the state trooper, who was in his patrol car. According to the report, Autopilot was activated by Tesla.
Insider asked Tesla for comment but they did not respond.
The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is currently investigating Tesla's driver assistance Autopilot feature.
According to a document outlining the scope of the investigation, the NHTSA has found over 11 instances in which Teslas in Autopilot or "Traffic Aware Cruise Control” modes have caused crashes at first responder scenes.
Insider reported that most of the accidents were after dark, and involved emergency vehicles equipped with flashing lights, flares or illuminated arrow boards.
Two people were killed in a car accident in April outside Houston, Texas. The Tesla in which they were riding was unable to stop.
The authorities at the scene confirmed that nobody was driving the car, and Insider reported that it was believed that passengers were using Tesla’s Autopilot feature. Tesla CEO Elon Musk stated that Autopilot was not involved in the incident.
Autopilot automates certain highway-driving tasks but does not allow cars to drive fully by itself. Insider reported that Tesla's Autopilot name has been criticized by critics. It is misleading and encourages drivers to misuse it. Tesla also offers other features, called "Full-Self-Driving Capability", which does not allow the car to drive itself.
