Terrifying Glitch: Tesla in Self-Driving Mode Nearly Collides with Train
Caught on cam: Tesla's Full Self-Driving mode malfunctions, almost causing a catastrophic train collision in Ohio.
In a disturbing event that raises questions about the reliability of autonomous driving technology, a Tesla vehicle in Ohio, operating in Full Self-Driving (FSD) mode, reportedly attempted to drive through a railroad crossing against a speeding train. This incident, captured on May 8, 2024, was recorded from multiple angles by the car’s on-board cameras.
Disturbing Pattern of Incidents
Craig Doty II, the Tesla owner, recounted his harrowing experience on the Tesla Motors Club forum, where he shared footage of the incident. Doty expressed concern over the FSD system, having experienced similar issues previously. “I have owned my Tesla for less than a year, and within the last six months, it has twice attempted to drive directly into a passing train while in FSD mode,” he revealed on the forum.
This isn’t an isolated problem but a serious repeat issue at different railroad crossings, suggesting a potential glitch in the FSD system’s ability to recognize and react to train crossings safely. Despite these terrifying experiences, Doty clarified his reliance on the system for his daily commute, “Both incidents happened at different railroad crossings, where I was the first car at the tracks. I have a 55-mile commute one-way each morning, and 98% of the time, the FSD does exactly what it’s supposed to do.”
Community and Technological Concerns
These incidents have sparked a mix of skepticism and concern among other users and observers. While some community members questioned whether Doty might have confused FSD with Autopilot, a less advanced driver-assistance technology, Doty insisted on the distinction.
“This is not an attempt at ‘insurance fraud.’ It is very concerning to me that the FSD system has failed to recognize a train crossing twice,” he commented, pushing back against any notions of deceit.
Tesla has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the incident. The situation underscores ongoing debates around the safety and reliability of autonomous driving technologies, which, despite significant advancements, continue to demonstrate critical vulnerabilities in real-world scenarios.
Understanding the implications of such technology not only requires rigorous testing and development but also an open, community-driven dialogue about its potential risks and benefits. As autonomous vehicles become more integrated into everyday use, ensuring their safe interaction with complex human-driven environments remains a high priority.
