Autopilot Or Human Error? Tesla Straddles Train Tracks

No matter how one personally feels about autonomous driving software, we can all agree that none of it is perfect. It’s because of that fact that automakers like Tesla require a driver to be alert at all times and ready to take over for Level 2 driving systems.

Evidently, one Tesla owner didn’t manage to achieve that feat as they drove several yards onto a train track in California. While it’s unclear if Autopilot really did turn onto the tracks, the alternative is even worse for the driver.

More: Tesla Driver Reportedly On FSD Dodges Train By Taking Control At The Last Second

California’s Woodland Police Department shared a post on Wednesday warning Tesla drivers to be careful when using Autopilot. “We want to remind everyone about the importance of staying vigilant while using Tesla’s Autopilot feature. This morning, there was an incident where Autopilot mistook train tracks for a road, posing a serious danger,” it said.

It then highlighted the need to stay alert, to monitor the system regularly, and to be attentive. These are all excellent tips regardless of what Level 2 driving system one might use. They also seem to be things the Tesla driver really needed to hear before traveling several yards onto a set of train tracks.

A photo from the scene shows what appears to be a Model Y quite a way onto the tracks. First, kudos to the driver for keeping that puppy straight enough to stay on the tracks themselves. Second, why on earth did they ever let it get anywhere near that far? If Autopilot really was engaged, was the driver not paying attention? Did they think they had magically engaged “Train Mode” or something?

Notably, some suggested that, as others have seemingly done in notable crashes, the driver simply blamed Autopilot when, in reality, they made a mistake. If it’s somehow true that a driver intentionally decided to try and drive on a set of train tracks, then this might be the dumbest one-car accident we’ve seen in a while. Neither explanation is great, but driving more attentively is the solution either way. 

More: Tesla Allegedly In “Self-Drive” Mode Slams Into Parked Police Car

Authorities say that they’re working to verify the accuracy of what the driver told them. The incident is still under investigation. 

Image Woodland PD / HT: TheSacrementoBee