A Californian motorist has provided a novel, if unconvincing, defence after being arrested for driving under the influence: he blamed the car.
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the 45-year-old man was discovered passed out behind the wheel of his Tesla, which was stationary at a freeway off-ramp in the city of Orange. The engine was reportedly running, and the car was in drive.
Upon being awoken by officers, the driver allegedly insisted that his vehicle's much-hyped Autopilot feature was responsible. He claimed the sophisticated driver-assistance system was in full control of the car, therefore absolving him of responsibility.
A High-Tech Excuse Falls Flat
Law enforcement officials were predictably unmoved by this 21st-century defence. Despite the driver's protests, he was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
The incident highlights a growing and complex challenge for authorities and the public alike: understanding the limitations of autonomous driving technology. Tesla's Autopilot is designed as a suite of advanced driver-assistance features, not a fully self-driving system. The company maintains that drivers must remain engaged and prepared to take control at any moment.
The Legal and Ethical Road Ahead
This case is not an isolated event. As semi-autonomous vehicles become more common on Britain's roads and globally, similar incidents are creating a new frontier for legal systems.
Questions around liability, user education, and the very definition of 'driving' are being pushed to the fore. Can a driver truly be considered 'in control' of a vehicle if a advanced system is handling the steering, acceleration, and braking? This case suggests that for law enforcement, the answer—for now—remains a firm yes.
The man was subsequently booked into jail, his high-tech excuse failing to override the fundamental laws of the road.
