Tesla driver who hit 2 cars says he used autopilot

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — The driver of a Tesla says the car was on autopilot when it struck a police cruiser and a disabled vehicle on Saturday, according to Connecticut State Police.

State Police said troopers responded to Interstate 95 northbound early Saturday in Norwalk, Connecticut for a disabled car on the highway and stopped their cruisers behind the car, with their emergency lights on to await a tow truck.

The Tesla struck one cruiser and the disabled vehicle, State Police said, and the driver said he was using the car’s autopilot system while he checked on his dog.

No one was seriously injured. Police did not publicly name the driver, who was issued a misdemeanor summons for reckless driving and reckless endangerment.

Police say they want to remind drivers that regardless of their vehicles’ capabilities, their full attention is required at all times to ensure safe driving.