NHTSA Investigating Tesla Crash in Utah
U.S. safety regulators from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are evaluating the circumstances connected to a Tesla Model S that slammed into a fire department vehicle in Jordan, Utah on May 13.

Federal regulators are investigating an accident involving a Tesla Model S and fire department vehicle in Jordan, Utah on May 13.
Photo via Automobile Italia/Flickr.
U.S. safety regulators from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are evaluating the circumstances connected to a Tesla Model S that slammed into a fire department vehicle in Jordan, Utah on May 13, reports Business Insider.
When the accident occurred, the Tesla car's Autopilot semiautonomous driving technology was activated.
This is the latest investigation by federal officials into several recent accidents involving Tesla vehicles.
While driving at approximately 60 miles per hour, a 28-year-old female motorist rammed into the fire truck from behind. Both drivers suffered minor injuries. The Tesla driver told police she was using the vehicle's Autopilot feature at the time of the crash; she also admitted she was looking at her cell phone prior to the collision, reports Fortune.
Even when it is engaged, Autopilot requires drivers to keep their hands on the steering wheel.
Autopilot always calls for some input and oversight from a person behind the wheel, reports Business Insider. In fact, the feature's ability to spot road markings that keep Tesla vehicles centered in traffic lanes is limited. Moreover, its functionality may be inconsistent, as it can be impacted by changing road and weather conditions.
While NHTSA's special crash team investigates the Utah collision, the National Transportation Safety Board is not presently involved in the investigation.
More Safety

Stellantis Recalls 1.3 Million Jeep Vehicles Worldwide Over Fire Risk
Stellantis is recalling more than 1.3 million Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator models worldwide over a fire risk linked to power steering pump wiring.
Read More →
Coaching Is Not Training, Even When AI Is Doing It
AI-powered safety platforms can detect risky behaviors and deliver immediate feedback. But effective driver development still requires a foundation of training followed by coaching that reinforces those skills.
Read More →
How Emotions Behind the Wheel Can Affect Fleet Safety
During National Safety Month, fleets are encouraged to look beyond distracted driving and recognize how stress, fatigue, and emotional well-being influence driver performance and crash risk.
Read More →
Nominations Open for 2026 Fleet Safety Award
Nominations have officially opened for the 2026 Fleet Safety Award Winner.
Read More →
Turning Connected Vehicle Data Into Decisions That Matter
Fleet leaders have more data than ever, but turning that data into clear, actionable decisions remains a challenge. This white paper shows how leading organizations are using connected vehicle data to improve safety, reduce costs, and optimize fleet performance. Learn how to turn insight into action across your fleet.
Read More →
Cameras, Safety and Insurance: From Reactive Claims to Real-time Prevention
Commercial auto remains one of the most challenging and costly lines of coverage for fleet operators and insurers alike. Learn more about how to effectively address these issues from Onur Aksan, Enterprise Business Development Executive, Geotab.
Read More →
NAFA Fleet Safety Symposium to Collocate With 2026 Fleet Forward Conference
The daylong certificate program will precede the Fleet Forward Conference at the Gaylord National Harbor in Maryland.
Read More →
The Distractions You Can’t Turn Off: What Drivers Face Outside the Vehicle
Fleet drivers face constant visual, cognitive, and environmental interruptions the moment they hit the road. From roadside chaos to mental fatigue and digital overload, today’s biggest driving risks often come from outside the vehicle itself.
Read More →
FLASH Weather AI Launches First Deep-Learning Hail Prediction Model With High-Resolution Forecasting
FLASH Weather AI has launched a first-of-its-kind hail prediction model capable of forecasting hail size and arrival time at 1-kilometer resolution up to 55 minutes ahead, giving fleets and insurers critical time to prepare for severe storms.
Read More →
How Coca-Cola United Protects Its Fleet from Growing Legal Risk
As litigation risk rises, vehicles are increasingly targeted. This Coca-Cola bottler shares how it’s reducing exposure through driver training, technology, and a proactive risk management approach.
Read More →
