Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system faced a series of extreme tests recently, revealing both its capabilities and limitations in handling aggressive driving scenarios. In a video titled “We Tried To Crash Into A Self Driving Tesla,” YouTuber Dirty Tesla, in collaboration with Out of SpecReviews, put the system to the test on a closed course using a Model Y.
The testing included a range of challenging maneuvers designed to push the boundaries of the FSD system. A driver in a former Ford Crown Victoria police car executed aggressive tactics, such as tailgating, cutting off the Model Y, and attempting to run it off the road. Despite these extreme conditions, the FSD system, particularly version 14.1.7 operating in the aggressive “Mad Max” drive profile, demonstrated impressive reaction times and decisive braking.
One of the notable strengths of Tesla’s FSD is its ability to remain unfazed by aggressive driving behaviors from other vehicles. The system effectively handled tailgating and rapid lane changes, showcasing an advanced level of situational awareness. Remarkably, it even turned the Model Y around when it detected potential danger ahead, a move that highlighted its proactive safety features.
Despite its advanced capabilities, the FSD system exhibited certain limitations. It showed hesitation when it came to navigating off-road terrain. During the tests, the Model Y was reluctant to drive onto grass to avoid an incoming vehicle, with the driver commenting that it appeared “scared” of leaving the paved road. In instances where the driver attempted to override the FSD system by pressing the accelerator while on grass, the vehicle unexpectedly shifted into Park.
The Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system became available in Australia in September 2023. It is priced at $10,100 AUD upfront or available via a subscription model at $149 AUD per month. Currently, this feature is exclusive to Model 3 and Model Y vehicles equipped with Hardware 4 (HW4) cameras.
As Tesla continues to refine its FSD technology, these tests provide valuable insights into how the system performs in high-pressure situations. The findings underline both the potential and the challenges of autonomous driving systems as they strive for broader acceptance and reliability on the roads. The full video of the testing can be viewed on Dirty Tesla’s YouTube channel, showcasing the intricate dynamics between technology and real-world driving conditions.
