Tesla driver speeds past semi while asleep with seats ‘completely reclined’

The driver of a Tesla was apparently snoozing behind the wheel while going over 90 mph, according to police.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) announced the man was charged with speeding and dangerous driving on September 17.

Authorities said the incident took place on July 9 after they received a complaint that a Model S Tesla vehicle was speeding on the highway near the town of Ponoka.

The driver was allegedly going 85 mph on southbound Highway 2.

According to the RCMP’s statement, ‘The car appeared to be self-driving…with both front seats completely reclined and both occupants appearing to be asleep.’

In the photo released by authorities, the Tesla can clearly be seen, with no occupants visible in the front seats, as it speeds past a semi truck

After the responding officer activated the emergency lights on their vehicle, the Tesla automatically began to accelerate. The officer was able to obtain radar readings on the vehicle, confirming that it had automatically accelerated up to exactly 150 km/h or 93 mph.

RCMP pulled the vehicle over and charged the driver, a 20-year-old male from British Columbia, with speeding and a 24-hour license suspension for fatigue.

A Criminal Code charge of Dangerous Driving was later laid against the driver.

He is due to appear in court in December.

“Although manufacturers of new vehicles have built-in safeguards to prevent drivers from taking advantage of the new safety systems in vehicles, those systems are just that — supplemental safety systems,” says Superintendent Gary Graham of Alberta RCMP Traffic Services. “They are not self-driving systems, they still come with the responsibility of driving.”