--- title: "Watch as Tesla’s Autopilot Almost Steers Model 3 Into Oncoming Train" description: "During a recent beta test of Tesla's latest Autopilot with Full Self-Driving Capabilities, a Model 3 almost steered itself into a train." date: "2022-07-03" modified: "2022-07-03" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/watch-as-teslas-autopilot-almost-steers-model-3-into-oncoming-train" categories: - "Car Tech" - "Electric Vehicles" - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Self-Driving Tech" - "Tesla News" tags: - "compact" - "Electric Vehicle" - "model 3" - "sedan" - "Tesla" --- # Watch as Tesla’s Autopilot Almost Steers Model 3 Into Oncoming Train ![]() Tesla's Autopilot system, with its "[Full Self-Driving Capability]()" option, is none of the things its name says it is: it's neither a true autopilot, nor is it capable of fully driving itself. Instead, it's an advanced driver assist system that can help ease a driver's workload while on a highway or clearly marked city streets. However, it's far from a perfect system, as this new video from YouTube channel *Beta Tech OG* shows, when his [Model 3]() almost drove itself into an oncoming train. In this video, the drivers tests the Autopilot system, with the Full Self-Driving option, through the streets of Denver, Colorado. During the nearly 18-minute video, the Model 3 almost hits several things, causing the driver to eventually call it a bad drive for Tesla. However, two of its errors were more egregious than the others and one of those two nearly saw the Tesla get hit by one of Denver's light rail trains, as it attempted to turn left in the train's path. Prior to nearly crashing into the train, the Model 3 was stopped at a red light, with its left turn signal on. That told the car the driver wanted to turn left and, after the light turned green, the car was supposed to wait until it was clear to turn. However, instead of waiting, the Tesla seemed to either think it had enough space and time to make the turn before the train got there, or it didn't recognize the train properly. What's weird, though, is that the Autopilot's display on the infotainment screen, which shows the car's recognized surroundings, picked up on the train. You can actually see it on the screen before the car starts to turn. It isn't clear why the Tesla decided to turn left in front of the train, despite noticing it, but the driver was forced to take over and steer the car away. If the car thought it could make the turn in time, its programming is too aggressive. Even the train operator blew their horn at the Tesla, proving a turn was the wrong move in that situation. https://twitter.com/TaylorOgan/status/1542971644355936256 Later in the video, toward the end, the Model 3 attempted to make a pretty routine left turn but took the turn too wide and almost drove into two pedestrians standing on the corner. After that, the driver called it a day, claiming he was "super disappointed with Tesla," which is hard to argue. In Tesla's defense, there's a button to report any issues that occur while using Autopilot but it needs just a single button press and doesn't require the driver to add any situational specifics, so it's unclear how helpful the report function really is. There's a much larger conversation to be had about the ethics of Tesla beta testing its Full Self-Driving option on public roads, using customers—not trained professionals—to test it. While Tesla absolutely isn't the only game in town, when it comes to advanced driver assist systems, other brands are far more cautious in their approach and don't release software until it's been fully tested by professionals in controlled environments. Thankfully no one was injured this time, and he was able to steer his car away from the oncoming train and pedestrians, but that doesn't mean everyone will be able to respond in time in the future. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxX4tDkSc_g&list=FLUjURGJpRU0FTSFR1XZNUww&index=4 ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()