A recent demonstration in Texas revealed that a Tesla Model Y, operating in Full Self-Driving (FSD) mode, failed to stop for a stationary school bus and hit child-sized mannequins. The test, conducted by advocacy groups The Dawn Project, Tesla Takedown, and ResistAustin, was repeated eight times—with the Tesla consistently ignoring the bus’s flashing lights and stop signs each time.
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Video footage from the event showed the vehicle driving past the bus and colliding with the dummies, reigniting concerns about the safety of autonomous driving technology.
Tesla’s FSD system, officially called Full Self-Driving (Supervised), requires active driver supervision and issues warnings if the driver is unresponsive. The company has repeatedly stressed that misuse of the system could result in severe injury or death.
Though Tesla was not involved in the test, its autonomous technology has faced scrutiny before. In April 2024, a Tesla Model S using FSD was linked to a fatal crash in Washington State that killed a motorcyclist.
The Dawn Project, led by Dan O’Dowd—who also runs a company developing rival driver-assistance software—has previously criticized Tesla’s FSD system for perceived safety flaws.
The incident comes as Tesla prepares to unveil its Cybercab, a fully autonomous electric vehicle originally slated for release on June 22. CEO Elon Musk has since hinted at a delay, stating the company is being “super paranoid about safety” and suggesting a possible June 28 launch instead.
As scrutiny over autonomous vehicle safety grows, the industry faces mounting questions about whether current technology can meet the demands—and ethical responsibilities—of full self-driving capabilities.
