They Trusted Tesla FSD With Elon’s Coast-To-Coast Dream And Got Wrecked Fast

A vision-based driver-assist system failed to avoid road debris, resulting in serious suspension damage less than 60 miles into the trip

                                        https://www.carscoops.com/author/bradcarscoops-com/                                    

Back in 2016, Tesla chief executive Elon Musk audaciously claimed that by the end of the following year, the automaker would demonstrate a coast-to-coast drive from LA to New York City, relying solely on its driver-assistance system. It’s been almost a decade since that promise was made, and no coast-to-coast drive has been performed.

In the meantime, a Tesla enthusiast on YouTube decided to stage his own cross-country test in a facelifted Model Y running Full Self-Driving. Let’s just say the road trip hasn’t gone according to plan.

Ramp in the Road

The Bearded Tesla Guy and his friend set off from Los Angeles bound for Jacksonville, Florida. Barely 60 miles in, they encountered an object planted in the middle of the highway. As the Model Y cruises along at 76 mph, the passenger guessed it may be road kill, but the driver fails to intervene, seemingly waiting for the Full Self-Driving system to detect the object and swerve around it.

However, as the duo continued towards the object, they quickly realized that it was something else. What lay ahead was a large steel ramp that had likely tumbled off a truck. While any astute driver should have seen the ramp and had more than enough time to change lanes to avoid it, these guys didn’t.

Watch: Tesla’s FSD Runs Over Child Mannequin, But It’s Not To Blame

Instead, the Model Y slams directly into the steel ramp with such force that it briefly lifts the Tesla off the ground before it slams back onto the road. The duo promptly pulled over to assess the damage. On first inspection, the damage didn’t appear too bad, and they continued to drive several hundred miles before deciding to get the car inspected at a mechanic.

After lifting the car up on a ramp, they found that the sway bar took the brunt of the impact, and the bracket was ruined. Additionally, several suspension components were damaged, preventing the front drive unit from functioning.

It’s worth remembering that Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system is officially rated at Level 2. That means it remains a driver-assistance feature, not a substitute for human control. Drivers are expected to stay alert at all times and be ready to take over immediately, no matter how advanced the software might appear