49ers coach Kyle Shanahan says he was using Tesla Autopilot when he crashed

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters that he was using Tesla’s Autopilot system when his Model S crossed into oncoming traffic and collided with a Mercedes-Benz SUV in Palo Alto on July 14. He said he took his eyes off the road to retrieve a phone that had fallen onto the back seat, and was unsure whether the system had been disengaged at that moment.

Shanahan, who has driven a Tesla for nine years, said the crash left him with a concussion, multiple broken ribs, a broken nose, a broken left hand and a facial wound that required more than 40 stitches. He accepted full responsibility, noting that drivers must remain attentive even when using driver-assistance features.

"When you're going at 20 miles an hour, and you're on autopilot, I honestly have zero worries. That was a good lesson that you can't ever have zero worries. I think it definitely could be an example for a lot of people," he said.

"Any time you cause an accident that could have been avoided, you feel pretty stupid, especially when you have a chance to hurt someone else," Shanahan added.

He said he plans to return to coaching duties for the 49ers’ preseason opener on August 13. Tesla and a 49ers spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment.