Ohio Tesla Owner Reports Near-Miss with Passing Train
A Tesla owner from Ohio, Craig Doty II, recently found himself in a perilous situation due to his vehicle’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) mode. According to Doty, his car failed to slow down when approaching a train crossing, forcing him to intervene. He shared his harrowing experience on the Tesla Motors Club forum, which quickly gained traction across various media platforms, shocking many users on social media.
Repeated issues with FSD mode
Doty revealed that his Tesla had driven head-on into closed-level crossings on two separate occasions while in FSD mode. “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. The most recent incident occurred on May 8, 2024, and I have dash cam footage from that event,” Doty stated.
Dashcam footage highlights the dangerous moment
The video shared by Doty shows him taking control of the car, turning sharply right through the railway crossing sign, and stopping mere feet away from the oncoming train. “I am trying to obtain the telemetry data from these incidents. Additionally, I am looking for similar cases or incidents. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to find a lawyer willing to take my case due to the lack of significant injuries—only backaches and a deep bruise on my right elbow, which didn’t require medical attention,” he added on the forum.
This incident adds to the growing list of concerns about Tesla’s FSD technology. As of April 2024, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that Tesla’s Autopilot systems, including models Y, X, S, and 3, were involved in 17 fatalities and 736 crashes since 2019.
Cybertruck delivery halted amid issues
Compounding Tesla’s woes, a recent Engadget report indicated that Tesla halted deliveries of its Cybertruck due to accelerator problems. The $100,000 vehicle has faced numerous complaints from users, including issues with visibility, off-roading difficulties, problems with the CCS adapter, lower-than-expected range, and discoloration of the stainless steel body panels. Tesla began delivering the Cybertruck to buyers in November 2023.
As Tesla continues to innovate in the realm of autonomous driving, incidents like Doty’s underscore the critical need for rigorous testing and safety measures. With increasing scrutiny from both users and regulatory bodies, the company faces significant challenges in ensuring the reliability and safety of its Full Self-Driving technology.
