In partnership with
Two U.S. senators are calling for a formal federal investigation into Tesla’s “Full Self-Driving” (FSD) software, after a growing number of drivers reported terrifying railroad crossing failures—raising urgent questions about the safety of Tesla’s autonomous driving technology.
Senators Edward Markey (D-Mass.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) sent a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) urging the agency to launch a full-scale safety probe into Tesla’s FSD (Supervised) system, citing dozens of complaints from Tesla owners who say their cars failed to detect oncoming trains or stop at railroad crossings.
“Because collisions between trains and cars often cause significant fatalities and injuries, FSD’s failure to safely navigate railroad crossings creates serious risk of a catastrophic crash,” the senators wrote.
They warned that without immediate oversight, Tesla drivers and passengers remain at risk of deadly crashes that could have been prevented with proper safeguards and regulatory scrutiny.
Alarming Incidents: Tesla Cars Stopping on Active Train Tracks
The senators’ demand comes on the heels of an NBC News investigation that reviewed dozens of driver complaints, dashcam videos, and forum posts showing Tesla’s Full Self-Driving software misreading or ignoring train crossings.
In one especially dangerous case in Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania, local emergency services had to remove a Tesla stuck on active railroad tracks, after its self-driving system failed to recognize the crossing and stopped mid-track.
Other Tesla drivers shared videos online showing cars driving through lowered crossing arms, failing to stop for flashing signals, or coming to rest directly in the path of moving trains.
AI Confusion: Experts Blame “Black Box” Algorithms
Experts in autonomous driving and AI safety say Tesla’s FSD software operates as a black-box artificial intelligence model—meaning even its engineers can’t fully explain why the system behaves unpredictably in certain scenarios.
One likely cause: insufficient training data. Analysts suggest Tesla’s neural network may not have encountered enough real-world railroad crossing examples during development, leaving it vulnerable in these complex environments.
Unlike competitors using lidar and radar, Tesla’s system relies almost entirely on camera vision and AI interpretation—which can misread visual cues, especially in low-light, obstructed, or reflective conditions common at train crossings.
Repeat Complaints Since 2023
Tesla owners have raised concerns for years. Online forums and social media posts dating back to 2023 document dozens of near misses and software missteps at crossings.
Despite regular software updates, many users report no meaningful improvement. Even loyal Tesla customers who praise other features say railroad crossing errors remain unresolved.
In one 2024 viral clip, a Tesla in FSD mode in Ohio failed to detect a moving freight train, crashed into a lowered gate, and skidded off the road—a stark illustration of what senators now call a public safety emergency.
Lawmakers Say NHTSA’s Response Is “Not Enough”
The senators criticized NHTSA’s prior response—which acknowledged awareness of the problem—as inadequate. They urged the agency to open a formal defect investigation and, if necessary, order recalls or restrict usage of FSD near railroad crossings until proven safe.
They also questioned Tesla’s marketing and branding, arguing that the term “Full Self-Driving” misleads consumers into believing the system is autonomous when it requires active driver supervision.
“These terrifying incidents demonstrate both the limitations of Tesla’s technology and confusion around the branding of FSD,” the letter stated.
Tesla’s Silence and Musk’s Promises
Tesla has not commented on the senators’ letter. The company’s FSD user manual clearly warns that human supervision is required at all times—a disclaimer that shifts liability to drivers.
Last week, CEO Elon Musk announced on X (formerly Twitter) that a new version of FSD will roll out soon. However, it remains unclear whether this update will fix the railroad crossing issue or address the mounting driver safety complaints.
NHTSA’s Track Record With Tesla Safety Probes
This is not the first time Tesla’s self-driving software has come under federal scrutiny.
In October 2024, NHTSA launched a probe into 2.4 million Tesla vehicles after crashes linked to FSD malfunctions under poor visibility—such as fog, sun glare, and dust.
That ongoing investigation focuses on whether FSD poses an unreasonable safety risk to the public, a standard that could lead to recalls, fines, or software restrictions.
If NHTSA opens a new probe focused on railroad crossing failures, Tesla may face more intense regulatory pressure and potential liability for design flaws.
What Drivers Should Know
Until regulators act, Tesla owners using FSD (Supervised) should:
Stay fully alert when approaching train crossings
Disengage FSD manually in complex traffic or signal environments
Report issues directly to Tesla and NHTSA’s vehicle safety hotline
Experts stress that no version of FSD is fully autonomous, and drivers remain legally and practically responsible for vehicle control.
Key Takeaways
Senators Edward Markey and Richard Blumenthal are urging NHTSA to investigate Tesla’s Full Self-Driving software.
Reports show the system has failed to detect trains or properly navigate railroad crossings.
Lawmakers warn these failures pose serious safety risks and could lead to fatal crashes.
Experts cite AI limitations and insufficient training data as possible causes.
Tesla has not commented; a new software update is planned but may not resolve the issue.
Your body is changing. Your training should too.
Trainwell pairs you with a certified trainer who understands perimenopause and creates a strength plan designed for your body and your goals.
With trainwell you get:
Strength workouts designed for this stage of life
A trainer who understands perimenopause
A personalized plan to build and maintain muscle
Support to keep you consistent and motivated
Take the quiz to get matched with your trainer and start building your personalized plan.