Recently, a car culture publication reported on a recent Tesla Model S crash involving a California passenger bus. While authorities have not indicated the cause of the accident, the crash follows a series of similar accidents, which are under a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) probe. Authorities stated that the Tesla seems to have crashed into the back of the bus that may have been stationary in a traffic lane. The fire department described the incident as a “multi-casualty,” which means numerous injuries among the parties. Accident scene photos illustrate the severity of the accident, as Tesla’s entire front end appears to have slid underneath the back of the bus.
The police and fire department have not indicated whether the vehicle’s Autopilot function was in use at the time of the incident. However, if the car’s Autopilot was not in use, the vehicle’s EV’s automatic emergency braking system should have responded to the solid object in its direct path. Witnesses reported that the bus did not appear to have much damage, and there were no skid marks around the incident.
The NHTSA is currently investigating the automaker following a series of crashes involving Teslas. Many accidents stem from crashes between Teslas and emergency responder vehicles, such as police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances. In many of these accidents, the driver’s Autopilot function was in use. The accident raises concerns regarding the efficacy of the car’s purported safety systems. While the NHTSA did not indicate whether they will investigate this crash, authorities urge drivers not to rely on Autopilot functions and adjust their driving to weather and traffic conditions.