Tesla FSD Fails: Driver Escapes Near-Miss with Oncoming Train at Railroad Crossing

Joshua Brown of Plano, Texas, is recounting a harrowing experience after his Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) mode unexpectedly engaged while he waited at a railroad crossing. The vehicle plowed through the fiberglass crossing arms, shattering his window as a Dallas Area Rapid Transit train passed within feet of his car.

Brown admitted to zoning out during the wait, a human lapse he described as understandable. However, he emphasized the inexcusable nature of the autonomous system’s failure.

“About the time I realized I was moving, the bar is right there, like right in front of me,” Brown recounted.

The Tesla’s rear camera captured the crossing as the train blazed past, narrowly missing Brown by a few car lengths.

“I would like to say I wasn’t rattled, but it rattled me just a wee little bit, you know,” the driver said. “At the end of the day, if it’s my time to go, it’s my time to go — but the good Lord was looking out for me and I’m thankful I’m still here.”

Brown clarified that he is not pursuing legal action against Tesla, noting the company’s stance that drivers must remain “actively engaged” while using FSD.

“I said, well, truthfully, I was actively engaged, or I would probably be dead,” Brown added. “I guarantee you, I will have my foot over the brake at a — or just engage it — at a train crossing though. There will not be any more trusting it to stay there.”

This incident comes as a stark reminder of the risks associated with autonomous driving technology. Brown shares his name with Joshua Brown of Florida, who became the first known fatality in a self-driving car crash in May 2016. Reports indicated that the Florida Brown was allegedly watching a “Harry Potter” movie at the time of the collision.

Despite nearly a decade of development, Tesla’s self-driving efforts continue to face challenges in ensuring passenger safety, even in scenarios where the safest action is to remain stationary.

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