There are a lot of misconceptions about what having an autopilot function on a vehicle can mean. Having adaptive cruise control, such as what is available on most Tesla models, might be able to help keep the vehicle from colliding with other cars under normal driving conditions; however, it probably won’t be able to keep you out of trouble if you choose to drink and drive.
KABC in Los Angeles reports that is what happened when officers with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) took a driver of a Tesla vehicle into custody late Thursday, September 16, 2021, on suspicion of DUI.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the California Highway Patrol said that at approximately 11:00 p.m., the driver, who was unconscious behind the wheel, struck a retaining wall with the side of the vehicle. The Tesla kept going along the 134 Freeway.
The Tesla was traveling at a slow rate of speed, with CHP officers following behind. The vehicle was finally brought to a stop on an overpass in Glendale at the 134 to 5 Freeway interchange.
Even though officers were pursuing the vehicle, the law enforcement agency did not classify the incident as a “chase.”
Officers were able to rouse the unconscious driver and place them under arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.
The incident is still currently under investigation. No further information was available at the time of the report.
