• A Tesla Model 3 driver narrowly avoided a collision with a train while allegedly using the FSD system (Full Self-Driving).
  • Dashcam footage shows poor visibility due to fog and the driver taking control at the last minute to avoid the train, but then crashing into a pole.
  • The driver steered away from the train at the very last minute, reportedly escaping with minor injuries.

A Tesla Model 3 owner, perhaps overly reliant and confident about the capabilities of “Full Self-Driving Mode” shared dashcam footage of an extremely close encounter with a train. While the car was allegedly piloting itself in less-than-ideal weather conditions, the owner took the wheel, narrowly avoiding a collision with the locomotive but ultimately crashed into a pole.

The dashcam video shows the Tesla navigating through heavy fog, reducing visibility significantly. Approaching the train crossing, there’s no sign of braking, despite the flashing lights and the looming train. The driver’s response appears delayed until the last moment when they take control of the car, averting disaster.

More: Judge Says Tesla Needs To Face Court Over Full Self-Driving Complaints

Before coming to a complete stop in the adjacent field, the Tesla collided with a pole, resulting in significant damage to the front right wheel and suspension, as well as a cracked bumper and fender. The driver reportedly sustained minor injuries but did not require medical attention.

Who’s To Blame?

The footage from the car, initially shared on the Tesla Motors Club Forum, quickly made its way to social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit, garnering significant attention from users. Many commenters placed the blame squarely on the driver, criticizing their lack of attentiveness despite warnings inherent in the system. Additionally, they faulted the driver for relying on Full Self-Driving in inclement weather and at a speed deemed inappropriate for the conditions.

Video Reddit

The driver who owned the Tesla Model 3 for a year, claims that the FSD mode failed to respond to passing trains twice in the last six months, occurring at different rail crossings. He’s now endeavoring to procure telemetry data from these incidents while seeking out other Tesla FSD users with similar experiences. Additionally, he pointed out that attorneys are reluctant to take his case “due to the absence of significant injuries.”

In defense of his delayed reaction, the driver explained: “After using the FSD system for a while, you tend to trust it to perform correctly, much like you would with adaptive cruise control. You assume the vehicle will slow down when approaching a slower car in front, until it doesn’t, and you’re suddenly forced to take control. This complacency can build up over time due to the system usually performing as expected, making incidents like this particularly concerning.”

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As for the speed he was traveling prior to the accident, he said: “Since an update about a month ago, the car has been setting the speed on the rural state route (with a 55 MPH speed limit) to around 61 to 63 MPH, which is consistent with normal traffic flow and what I would usually set cruise control at in other cars.”

According to Tesla’s manual, Full Self-Driving Capability requires the driver to “pay attention to the road at all times and always be prepared to take immediate action”.

Unfortunately, many Tesla owners perceive the system as a higher level of autonomy than it really is (Level 2), resulting in several high-profile accidents over the years. Authorities in the US and abroad have openly criticized Tesla for using the term “full self driving” to describe what is effectively an ADAS package that requires constant human supervision.

We reached out to Tesla for a comment regarding the alleged incident with the FSD. We’ll update this story if we receive a response.