Tesla Driver Seen Gazing Down Before 2018 Crash on Autopilot
- NTSB is examining several Tesla accidents involving Autopilot
- Driver told investigators he wasn’t using cellphone in crash
Photographer: Michael Short/Bloomberg
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The driver of a Tesla Inc. car that slammed into a fire truck in Southern California last year was looking down at what appeared to be a mobile phone while the car’s Autopilot feature was engaged, according to a witness report and other data released by investigators.
The National Transportation Safety Board, which is examining several Tesla accidents involving vehicle automation, on Tuesday released numerous preliminary reports, including a statement from a witness to the Jan. 22, 2018, collision. The Tesla driver told investigators he wasn’t using his phone at the time and was looking forward, but may have been holding a coffee or bagel.