Tesla Model 3 on Autopilot hits police car in Florida

A 2019 Tesla Model 3 crashed into a stationary police car in Orlando last week, with the owner claiming its controversial ‘self-driving’ Autopilot system was to blame.

A Florida state trooper allegedly pulled over to assist the occupants of a broken-down 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 SUV. He had already stepped out of his Dodge Charger highway patrol car when the electric sedan crashed into it.

According to the CNBC news outlet – which first covered the story – no one was seriously injured, however an investigation is currently underway.

Earlier this month Drive reported the US National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) had opened an official inquiry into Tesla’s Autopilot technology, probing the cause of at least 12 accidents since 2019.  

Two US Senators subsequently called on the Federal Trade Commission – roughly equivalent to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) – to investigate claims the electric vehicle giant has overstated the capabilities of its autonomous functions.

Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment when approached by Drive.