A Tesla Cybertruck in Full Self-Driving mode crashed into a pole in Reno, Nevada. The owner warns of safety risks, urging drivers to stay alert.
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| A Tesla Cybertruck accident in Reno raises new concerns over Full Self-Driving mode, as the owner urges drivers not to become complacent with the technology. Image Courtesy: AOL |
Reno, Nevada, USA – February 15, 2025:
A Tesla Cybertruck operating in Full Self-Driving (FSD) mode crashed into a pole in Reno, Nevada, after failing to merge out of an ending lane, according to its owner.
Jonathan Challinger, a Florida-based drone software developer, posted on X (formerly Twitter) about the incident, warning drivers not to become complacent when using Tesla’s autonomous system. "Don’t make the same mistake I did. Pay attention," he wrote in the now-deleted post, which included a photo of the crash. He urged others to share his message, tagging Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
When contacted by the Reno Gazette-Journal, Challinger confirmed his Cybertruck was in self-driving mode but declined to say whether Tesla had responded to his concerns. When asked why he did not intervene before the crash, he abruptly ended the call.
Tesla has long faced scrutiny over its self-driving technology, which has been linked to multiple accidents, including fatal ones. Critics argue that the system, which relies primarily on cameras rather than more expensive LiDAR sensors, struggles in low visibility conditions such as heavy rain, snow, or fog.
In January, Musk defended the technology, touting major safety improvements in FSD Version 13 and encouraging skeptics to try it. However, Tesla has not responded to media inquiries about the Reno crash.
Troy Teslike, a researcher who closely tracks Tesla’s advancements, pointed to the accident as further evidence of the system’s limitations, particularly in nighttime detection and lane mapping. "FSD doesn’t seem ready for driverless operation yet," he noted.
The crash has reignited concerns over whether Tesla’s Full Self-Driving technology is ready for real-world use or if drivers remain the ultimate safety net.