California Highway Patrol arrested a 45-year-old man early Friday morning under the suspicion of driving under the influence while his 2017 Tesla Model S was operating in Autopilot on Highway 101.
While condemned previously for its misleading marketing, Tesla has been clearer of late that Autopilot is not self-driving. Likewise, anyone who owns one of its vehicles should be able to understand that the feature has limitations necessitating regular human involvement to complete any journey.
However, none of this has stopped individuals from abusing the driving aid. In August another motorist was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol after his Tesla collided with a fire truck. Earlier in the year, a Tesla owner passed out while behind the wheel. Fortunately, Autopilot brought the vehicle to a stop in the middle of the Oakland Bay Bridge.
Before we attempt to make the claim that Tesla and the Golden State both have serious problems with drunk driving, it should be said that DUIs are a nationwide issue. These reports simply could be the result of a high-profile vehicle being misused in a very specific way in a region that buys a lot of them. We would even hazard a guess that these kind of stories would be more commonplace if the technology existed in more automobiles.
As for the most recent encounter, Fox 2 KTVU reported that the California Highway Patrol arrested Alexander Samek of Los Altos after an officer saw him nodding off in his Tesla around 3:30 in the morning. Initially unresponsive, Officer Art Montiel said law enforcement drove in front of the Tesla in an attempt to force the vehicle to slow down and hopefully stop. But Samek awoke and pulled off the highway, stopping at a Palo Alto gas station. From there, he was taken into custody at the jail in Redwood City by authorities.
An investigation is currently underway to determine whether or not Samek’s vehicle was operating in Autopilot. However, it shouldn’t have much bearing on the case, as the system doesn’t absolve the driver of any responsibility. It’s still illegal to operate any motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
Only on @KTVU: We caught up to Alexander Samek, chair of the @CityofLosAltos planning commission, after his release from jail. He was arrested for DUI after being found asleep behind the wheel of a Tesla on Hwy 101, per @CHP_RedwoodCity. 4,515,6,7p @KTVU pic.twitter.com/lxPlMcVwCo
— Henry K. Lee (@henrykleeKTVU) November 30, 2018
[Image: Tesla Motors]
So then what’s the point of autopilot?
Internet outrage against technology that’s misused
Another life saved.
Negative news that are really positive news.
I don’t really consider preserving the life of a drunk to be a net positive, but at least neither Samek nor his Tesla struck any innocents.
I don’t really consider preserving the life of a California bureaucrat to be a net positive, but at least neither Samek nor his Tesla struck any innocents. FIFY
Societal vermin by any name, Todd.
> I don’t really consider…
Until it is your son or your brother or you father.
Are there any numbers to back this theory up? I had a coworker who constantly went out to her car to refill her ‘coffee’ cup during the day. Plenty of women are drunk. It’s just that other women make their behavior look normal.
well said!!
“Until it is your son or your brother or you father.”
It wouldn’t be. Mine know better. Are you saying those who don’t should get a pass?
“It wouldn’t be. Mine know better.”
Maybe they do know better, but you know an awful lot of parents say that when the police call.
agree 100%
“Any sufficiently advanced autopilot is indistinguishable from a mildly tipsy partygoer.”
So… what was the reason for the traffic stop, if the car was in auto pilot. Did it do something wrong or illegal, or is this just your too often typical case of police profiling.
Profiling what, rich guys in Teslas?
It gave the game away when he pulled his Tesla up to a gas pump.
LOL!!
What a revolting development!
(I got a charge out of it! 8-D )
It was an opportunity for the officer to make a bonus as most police dpts hand out a bonus for each arrest. disgusting bastards
Helps to read the article instead of getting on your soap box…..
“As for the most recent encounter, Fox 2 KTVU reported that the California Highway Patrol arrested Alexander Samek of Los Altos after an officer saw him nodding off in his Tesla around 3:30 in the morning.”
I can get on whatever box i please. in most states you are guilty even if proven innocent. I understand what the report says, there is also the fact that police DO get a bonus for every arrest made(thats one reason why NYC jails are overloaded) if he was driving erratically sure, if was a menace to others on the ..sure. you are listening to one side of the story, you rarely if ever here the other side. also cops are trained to be profesional LIARS and in court…..just like when they commit murder They always walk scott free,they go home to their families and could give 2 $h!ts about the guy they arrested or his family. im just saying, if he nodded off thank GOD the car did take over. Obviously he wasnt asleep as he was able to pull over. now was he drunk? we dont know.