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The original item was published from 5/18/2021 10:14:53 AM to 5/18/2023 12:05:01 AM.

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Posted on: May 18, 2021

[ARCHIVED] Motorist using autopilot ticketed for inattentive driving

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On May 16th, 2021, at 7:51 AM, a Kenosha County deputy was dispatched to the area of I-94 northbound for a report of a Tesla whose driver appeared to be asleep behind the wheel crossing over the Illinois/Wisconsin state line.  The deputy located the vehicle driving northbound as it passed STH 158 on I-94.  The deputy approached the vehicle from behind and pulled alongside it to observe the driver.  According to the deputy, the driver did appear to be asleep noting that the driver's head was down and was not looking at the road.  

The deputy initiated a traffic stop activating his lights and siren.  The deputy advised that the driver was not pulling over as he followed behind it for approximately 2 miles at 82 mph through Kenosha County.  The deputy reported that the driver finally noticed that he was being stopped when the deputy pulled alongside of the Tesla for the second time and pulled over near CTH KR. 

The operator and sole occupant of the Tesla was identified as a 38-year-old man out of Palatine, IL.  The operator was questioned and denied being asleep.  The deputy stated that the operator did not have any signs of impairment but stated that he was tired.  The vehicle was a 2019 Telsa with autopilot capability.  Tesla mandates that the operator keep their hands on the steering wheel at all times and always maintain control of the vehicle while utilizing the autopilot feature.  The operator was issued a traffic citation for Inattentive driving.

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