According to a Florida Highway Patrol representative, it is unknown whether Autopilot was activated at the time of the crash. “In their investigation of this occurrence, our Investigators will gather as much information and data as possible,” Lieutenant P.V. Riordan stated in an email to The Verge. “Finally, they may contact the manufacturer if additional information is required.”
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is presently investigating 16 collisions in which Tesla owners using Autopilot collided with stationary emergency vehicles, resulting in 15 injuries and one fatality. The software ignored scene control measures such as warning lights, flares, cones, and an illuminated arrow board in the majority of these accidents, which occurred after dark. The investigation was been advanced to an “Engineering Analysis,” the second and final level of an investigation before a possible recall.
