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HomeTraffic incidentsCalifornia couple killed after their Tesla drove into a parked semi at I-75 rest stop

California couple killed after their Tesla drove into a parked semi at I-75 rest stop

July 6, 2022

Press release from Florida Highway Patrol

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – At 1:58 p.m. today, a Freightliner Tractor Trailer was parked in the southbound parking lot at the Paynes Prairie Rest Area on I-75, south of Gainesville, when a 2015 Tesla that was traveling south on the interstate exited to the rest area, drove toward the tractor trailer, and struck the rear of the tractor trailer.

The driver, a 66-year-old woman, and the passenger, a 67-year-old man, both from Lompoc, CA, were pronounced deceased on scene. Gainesville Fire Rescue responded to extricate the occupants of the Tesla.

  • That’s very bad PR and sad for couple’s family. Investigation will determine if Tesla was using autopilot at time.

  • I would never trust auto pilot to steer me off the highway and into a rest area. Anyway it would have braked before contact. I bet this was distracted driving. Very sad. God bless them.

    • Medical emergency maybe? Vaccident with so many sudden deaths after the jab?

      • thecovidblog (5/25/22): U.S. motor vehicle traffic fatalities in 2021 break record for largest annual
        percentage increase in recorded history. U.S. Vehicular deaths (42,915 in 2021) will easily surpass 50,000 in 2022. The U.S. hasn’t seen that many roadway deaths since 1980. The most roadway fatalities in U.S. history in one year is 54,589 in 1972. The three most dangerous places for Americans
        (and all other “Westerners”) to patronize in 2022 are hospitals, airplanes, and roadways.

  • A Tesla can accelerate like a rocket. I wonder if driver slammed accelerator when intending to brake?

  • These were lovely people on their way to visit family, neighbors of good friends of mine. Experienced Tesla drivers, they were not ever reckless or impaired, and not rely on autopilot. True that it could have been a medical emergency, but have to suspect the Tesla. I

  • Agreed, driver either had a medical emergency or car malfunction. She was an amazing woman! So sweet and kind.

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