South Brunswick Township Police Department in New Jersey are reminding drivers about the dangers of distracted driving, using the example of recent crash involving a 2020 Tesla Model 3.
On Monday morning at 8:21 am, a distracted driver within a Model 3 crashed into a parked tractor-trailer at Route 1 and Executive Drive. The intensity of the collision tore the roof off the passenger side of the electric vehicle.
“This crash could easily have been fatal, and easily have been prevented if the driver was paying attention,” said Chief Raymond Hayducka, in a statement.
According to Office Brian Kim who investigated the crash, it was concluded a 44-year-old driver from Baltimore was distracted at the time of the collision. The driver had minor injuries and refused medical treatment. The car was destroyed, say police.
The driver was headed northbound on Route 1 with cruise control enabled in their Tesla. He was distracted for a moment and the sedan drifted into the shoulder and hit a parked 2005 Freightliner tractor-trailer, broken down on the shoulder.
For the month of April, there’s a statewide distracted driving enforcement and awareness campaign called “UDrive. UText. UPay”, which aims to remind people about the dangers of driving while talking on a cellphone or texting.
New Jersey says driver inattention was noted as a “contributing circumstance” in 50% of state crashes in 2018.
“Today we were lucky we didn’t have a fatal crash, but starting April 1st a new crackdown will focus on this danger. Drivers have a responsibility to pay attention as they drive. Last year five motorists lost their lives on roadways in the Township. This crackdown hopes to raise awareness of the danger of distracted driving,” concluded Chief Hayducka.
The aftermath of distracted driving. This @Tesla went under a tractor trailer after the driver had it on cruise control and failed to pay attention Monday. Only minor injuries.
Statewide crackdown starts April 1st. pic.twitter.com/HitAjtacJE
— So Brunswick PD (@SoBrunswickPD) March 29, 2021
There have been recent Tesla crashes into tractor-trailers that apparently involved Autopilot, the electric vehicle company driving assist feature. Tesla and other firms have repeatedly stated vehicles with Autopilot enabled are much safer than without.
