PREMIER Jay Weatherill has asked Transport Minister Stephen Mullighan to “please explain” how he hit an inflatable kangaroo in one of SA’s new and much-vaunted “driverless cars”.

Mr Mullighan — who has spent much of the week spruiking the new technology ahead of a public trial tomorrow — was embarrassed after hitting the kangaroo during a media demonstration at Torrens Parade Ground today.

Television cameras captured the moment, with various journalists immediately taking to social media to share their mirth.

Joining in soon after on Twitter was Mr Weatherill, who asked Mr Mullighan to explain what had happened “as I’m meant to be test driving this thing tomorrow”.

Mr Mullighan replied: “I think it was set to ‘cull’, not ‘avoid’.”

The minister has been promoting driverless cars this week as part of the Australian Driverless Vehicle Initiative, coordinated by ARRB Group.

Today’s demonstration showcased the latest vehicle technology as part of the International Driverless Cars Conference.

Mr Weatherill said several companies had expressed interest in working in the state, as he opened the conference.

The first Australian public trial for driverless cars will take place on the closed-off Southern Expressway tomorrow.

@RoryMcClaren9 @SMullighan what happened ? I'm meant be test driving this thing tomorrow — JayWeatherill (@JayWeatherill) November 6, 2015

@JayWeatherill @RoryMcClaren9 I think it was set to "cull", not "avoid" — Stephen Mullighan MP (@SMullighan) November 6, 2015