Tesla FSD Falters: Hits Dummy Kids Near School Bus in Demo

A recent demonstration in Austin, Texas, has cast a shadow over Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities. The test, conducted by organizations including The Dawn Project, showed a Tesla Model Y failing to recognize a stopped school bus and striking child-sized mannequins.

The demonstration involved the Tesla repeatedly driving past a school bus with flashing lights and deployed stop signs, hitting the dummies in eight separate trials.

This test raises serious questions about the readiness of fully autonomous vehicles for widespread public use, especially as Tesla prepares for the rollout of its much-anticipated Cybercab.

Tesla’s FSD is officially labeled as “Full Self-Driving (Supervised),” emphasizing the need for a fully attentive driver. The company explicitly warns that failure to heed these instructions can lead to “damage, serious injury, or death.”

This incident isn’t the first time Tesla’s FSD has faced scrutiny. The Dawn Project, led by Dan O’Dowd, who heads a company offering rival automated driving system software, has previously criticized Tesla’s technology. In 2024, a fatal accident involving a Tesla Model S using FSD occurred in Washington.

Adding to the anticipation surrounding autonomous driving, Elon Musk has shared details about the Cybercab’s development. He stated on X that Tesla is prioritizing safety, potentially leading to shifts in the release date. Musk also mentioned a goal for a Tesla to autonomously drive from the factory to a customer’s home by June 28.