Tesla’s Autopilot Fails Again: Model 3 Charges Toward Train in Heavy Fog

Tesla’s FSD (Full Self-Driving Capability) has once again become controversial. A video of a Tesla Model 3 vehicle with FSD running rushing toward an oncoming train was released on social media and has become a hot topic.

Drivers have differing opinions about trust in FSD’s safety and autonomous driving. As several accidents have occurred in Tesla vehicles with FSD running in the past, consumer distrust has also increased.

It was foggy at the time of the accident
FSD didn’t recognize the traffic lights

At the time of the accident, the weather was foggy, and visibility around the area appeared to be less than 100 m (328 feet). While driving down the road, a scene appeared where yellow lights flashed up and down from a distance. This sign occurs when a train is passing, and under normal circumstances, the self-driving function should have recognized this and slowed down.

However, the vehicle did not slow down even after reaching the front of the moving train. The driver, who took the steering wheel only after reaching the barrier, could not slow down and had no choice but to swerve to avoid the train. The vehicle swayed sharply, left the road, and collided with a pillar on the side.

Speeding on a foggy road
Criticism is also pouring in on drivers

This accident caused significant damage to the vehicle’s side. The fender panel was crushed and wide open, and the front bumper was torn. The right front wheel was significantly twisted, and the suspension was damaged. The battery pack was also damaged, making it almost impossible to repair the vehicle. The driver involved in the accident suffered minor injuries but was not reported to require treatment.

The driver claims that this is not the first time the Tesla vehicle’s FSD failed to respond to a train and that similar incidents have occurred. Despite the foggy and bad weather, the driver set the vehicle’s speed to nearly 100 km/h (62 mph).

The speed limit on the road was approximately 89 km/h (55 mph), and despite poor weather conditions, the driver excessively increased the speed. Netizens also continued to criticize the driver’s response. It is claimed that the accident occurred because the driver did not pay attention even though the yellow traffic light was visible and did not intervene until the vehicle approached the train.

However, some have expressed concern about the recent increase in FSD-related accidents. This is due to increased consumer anxiety as there have been recent accidents involving vehicles with FSD activated, such as scraping curbs or climbing on footpaths. FSD is evaluated as autonomous driving level 2, but it has also been pointed out that it is misleading consumers by using the name Full Self Driving. While controversy over FSD is intensifying, Tesla has not yet revealed its official position.