Tesla Runs Over A Child Dummy In Stoppage Test During Self Driving Mode

A video on Twitter appears to show a Tesla in full self-driving mode running over a child-sized mannequin in 'controlled test conditions'. Apparently there were multiple vehicles being tested for different self driving technologies. While other technologies worked effectively, Tesla absolutely trucks the child dummy.

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The video is also shared on Reddit with caption:

"We probably shouldn't be laughing, but come on now, Tesla."

There are multiple vehicles being tested. Tesla has its own 'Tesla Vision' to warn the driver of their surroundings. While the black vehicle being tested in the video has LIDAR (a similar technology). We can see pretty clearly that the LIDAR technology works fairly effectively, and stops before injuring the child. Whereas Tesla Vision straight up obliterated the child.

The issue here is that up until this point Tesla has refused to use LIDAR technology when they are producing their vehicles. Maybe after this epic failure of a test video, they'll change their tune. Honestly, my favorite part of the test has to be the interior and exterior reactions from both men. If this were real, that child is dead, no doubt.

On Tuesday, safety advocacy and research organization The Dawn Project also launched a PSA campaign showcasing a Tesla in Full Self-Driving (FSD) mode repeatedly mowing down a child-sized mannequin. The Dawn Project said the vehicle failed to detect the stationary dummy's presence in the road and hit it over and over again at an average speed of 25mph.

It claims that the experiment was carried out under 'controlled conditions' on a test track in California.

The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) confirmed that it 'currently has an open and active investigation of Tesla's Autopilot active driver assistance system'.

The Dawn Project released the video as part of its launch of a nationwide public safety ad campaign highlighting the dangers of Tesla's full self-driving software.

'The deeply disturbing results of our safety test of Tesla full self-driving should be a rallying cry to action,' said Dan O'Dowd, founder of The Dawn Project.

'Elon Musk says Tesla's Full Self-Driving software is "amazing". It's not. It's a lethal threat to all Americans.'

He added: 'Over 100,000 Tesla drivers are already using the car's full self-driving mode on public roads, putting children at great risk in communities across the country.' 

The video is now being attacked by fans of Tesla and its CEO Elon Musk, who are calling the test fake and uploading videos attempting to debunk the test.

One popular Musk fan account on Twitter, besides posting videos of a Tesla with FSD engaged driving along, even sought an actual child to test Tesla FSD's stopping ability on. 

Between July 2021 and May of this year, Teslas accounted for 273 of nearly 400 of the crashes involving driver-assist systems, according to the NHTSA. Despite being marketed as Full Self-Driving, the mode does "not make the vehicle autonomous," according to Tesla, and the driver must have their hands on the wheel at all times.