As Tesla Inc looks to launch autonomous vehicles and its robotaxis in select markets, the company could face setbacks with recent reports showing the vehicles struggling with stopping at railroad crossings.
Background
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has put an emphasis on the importance of Full Self-Driving (FSD) and autonomous vehicles for the company’s future. However, a new report highlights recent issues with Tesla’s FSD software being used and vehicles struggling to stop at train tracks.
Incidents Reported
Several Tesla owners have reported incidents where their vehicles failed to stop at railroad crossings. For example:
- Tesla owner Italo Frigoli reported that his vehicle failed to stop at a railroad crossing with flashing red lights and a train approaching. He had to slam on the brakes to avoid an accident.
- Jared Cleaver reported that his 2021 Tesla Model 3 using FSD came to a complete stop at a railroad crossing with a train coming, but then began to move forward before he slammed on the brakes.
- Another driver reported that their Tesla vehicle using FSD turned left when it got to train tracks.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Involvement
The NHTSA has confirmed that it has been in contact with Tesla about the issues. “We are aware of the incidents and have been in communication with the manufacturer,” the NHTSA said.
Expert Opinion
Massachusetts Institute of Technology research scientist Bryan Reimer stated that the expectation for self-driving technology is that it can handle railroad crossings, especially given Musk’s claim that Tesla vehicles can drive themselves. “You’d think they’d be able to reliably detect this stuff,” Reimer said.
Implications
The NHTSA being aware of the situation could mean struggles for Tesla as it looks to roll out robotaxis in more cities. Additionally, President Donald Trump’s recent announcement to appoint autonomous vehicle critic Jonathan Morris to lead the NHTSA could be a potential setback for Tesla moving forward.
Regulatory Challenges
Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) has also announced plans to introduce a bill that would ban fully autonomous vehicles from the country. With Musk no longer working with the White House, he may not get the preferential treatment for his company he may have been hoping for.
Conclusion
Tesla’s struggle to detect railroad tracks is a perplexing reliability issue that could have significant implications for the company’s plans to launch autonomous vehicles and robotaxis. As the company moves forward, it will be important to address these issues and ensure that its vehicles can safely navigate railroad crossings.