Two Tesla Model 3s, both running Full Self‑Driving (FSD) beta, collided on Interstate 80 near Sacramento this week. One vehicle ran straight into a stopped semi‑tractor‑trailer, while the other rear‑ended a 2022 Freightliner that was pulling a refrigerated load. Both incidents were captured on dash‑cam and quickly went viral, prompting the California DMV to open an investigation and the NHTSA to issue a preliminary safety notice.
What happened
- **Crash 1 (June 22, 2026):** A Tesla in FSD mode failed to detect a 36‑foot semi parked on the shoulder. The car struck the trailer at **~45 mph**, causing moderate damage to the cab and a minor oil leak on the truck. The driver of the Tesla was uninjured; the truck driver reported a **sprained wrist**.
- **Crash 2 (June 24, 2026):** Another Tesla, also on FSD beta, rear‑ended a 2022 Freightliner at **~55 mph** while the truck was decelerating for a lane change. The impact crumpled the Tesla’s front bumper and caused a **$4,800** repair bill for the truck’s rear axle.
- Both Teslas were operating under the **beta‑test disclaimer** that requires a licensed driver to keep hands on the wheel. In both cases, the drivers reported “hands‑free” operation at the moment of impact.
Why it matters for dispatchers/drivers
Truckers already wrestle with ELD‑mandated hours‑of‑service limits, driver fatigue, and scarce parking. Autonomous‑vehicle (AV) tech promises relief, but these crashes prove the technology is not ready for mixed‑traffic highways where heavy trucks dominate. Dispatchers who schedule loads through California’s I‑80 corridor must now consider the increased liability of pairing human drivers with AV‑equipped carriers. A driver‑less truck could be deemed a commercial vehicle under FMCSA rules, subjecting the carrier to $1,500 per‑incident penalties for safety violations. Moreover, insurers are already hiking rates for fleets that employ FSD‑enabled rigs, citing a 12% rise in claims linked to AV‑related incidents over the past year.
My take
Tesla’s beta‑test is a reckless gamble on public roads. The industry can’t afford “test‑drive” crashes that endanger our rigs, our drivers, and the freight supply chain. Until FSD proves it can reliably detect and react to 18‑wheelers, regulators should ban beta‑mode operation on interstate highways and require real‑time monitoring for any AV‑truck partnership. The trucking community must push back hard—our safety isn’t a beta feature.
What you should do
- **Vet any carrier using FSD:** demand proof of a **dedicated safety officer** monitoring the vehicle and a **real‑time video feed** to your dispatch desk.
- **Update contracts:** add clauses that hold the carrier liable for any AV‑related incident, including **fuel‑damage reimbursements** and **downtime penalties**.
- **Train your team:** enroll drivers in EK Dispatch Academy’s **AV‑risk module** (/curriculum) to recognize AV‑related hazards and respond safely.
— Ekjot Singh, Founder, EK Dispatch Academy