Tesla often touts itself as the future of driving with its self-driving technology and advanced AI. However, a recent incident in South Brunswick, New Jersey, tells a different story. A man was using autopilot while driving his Tesla when, upon exiting Georges Road onto a narrow side street, the vehicle’s sensors detected an oncoming car. In response, the AI abruptly swerved, causing the Tesla to accelerate directly into a residential driveway and crash into a parked van.
The owner of the van that was hit was nearby when the incident occurred. Although he declined to share his name, he mentioned that he had been in the garage planting seeds when he heard a loud bang. Rushing outside, he found a Tesla had slammed into the back of his parked van. Fortunately, despite being close to the impact, he escaped without injury. However, the force of the crash pushed his van further into the garage, causing additional damage. The Tesla’s front end was also damaged in the collision.
Authorities believe the vehicle’s AI may have mistakenly interpreted the driveway as an extension of the road and accelerated in that direction to avoid a perceived crash. As a result, the Tesla driver received a ticket for reckless driving. South Brunswick police emphasized that in New Jersey, drivers using autopilot must remain alert and in control at all times to prevent such accidents.
Internet users who heard the news expressed frustration, believing the crash could have been easily prevented. Many agreed with police for ticketing the Tesla driver, arguing that no one should rely too heavily on AI or autopilot. “That’s why airliners, even with autopilot, still have pilots on board. You don’t entrust everything to AI, especially when lives are at stake,” one Redditor commented.
However, some users argued that Tesla should also bear responsibility, since its AI system played a significant role in the crash. “Sure, the driver gets a ticket, but the NTSB should continue preventing Tesla from obtaining full self-driving certification,” one commenter wrote. A few even speculated that the driver might consider suing Tesla, though many expressed doubt that such a move would have any real impact against the powerful company.
Another questioned whether the AI was really at fault or if human error played a part. “How much do you want to bet the driver tried to brake because autopilot made a wrong turn, but accidentally hit the accelerator?” they said.
