A preliminary investigation has begun for a fatal car crash involving a Tesla Model S.According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the electric model sedan had Autopilot mode engaged when a driver was killed. SAN FRANCISCO -- Some Tesla owners have used the cars' Autopilot feature to take their hands off the wheel -- and film themselves doing anything but driving. YouTube videos uploaded since Tesla introduced the self-driving feature in October show drivers playing games, pretending to sleep, and in general, not holding the steering wheel. This kind of distracted driving is what Tesla Motors Inc., under federal investigation after a man using Autopilot died from injuries sustained in a May crash, says drivers should not do -- though Tesla founder Elon Musk has teased the possibility that one day, Autopilot could completely replace the role of a human driver. The Autopilot feature is designed to allow Teslas to cruise highways without drivers steering, braking or accelerating.

A Tesla electric-powered sedan stands at a Tesla charging staiton at a highway reststop along the A7 highway on June 11, 2015 near Rieden, Germany. SAN FRANCISCO -- Some Tesla owners have used the cars' Autopilot feature to take their hands off the wheel -- and film themselves doing anything but driving. YouTube videos uploaded since Tesla introduced the self-driving feature in October show drivers playing games, pretending to sleep, and in general, not holding the steering wheel. This kind of distracted driving is exactly what Tesla Motors Inc., under federal investigation after a man using Autopilot died from injuries sustained in a May crash, says drivers should not do. The Autopilot feature is designed to allow Teslas to cruise highways without drivers steering, braking or accelerating.

SAN FRANCISCO -- Some Tesla owners have used the cars' Autopilot feature to take their hands off the wheel -- and film themselves doing anything but driving. YouTube videos uploaded since Tesla introduced the self-driving feature in October show drivers playing games, pretending to sleep, and in general, not holding the steering wheel. This kind of distracted driving is exactly what Tesla Motors Inc., under federal investigation after a man using Autopilot died from injuries sustained in a May crash, says drivers should not do. The Autopilot feature is designed to allow Teslas to cruise highways without drivers steering, braking or accelerating. The car is supposed to stay in its lane and stop suddenly if traffic halts.