The tests, organised by advocacy groups The Dawn Project, Tesla Takedown, and ResistAustin, replicated the scenario eight times, each time with the Tesla Model Y ignoring the bus’s flashing lights and stop signs.
Video footage from the demonstration showed the vehicle driving past the bus and colliding with the mannequins intended to represent children.
The demonstration has raised fresh concerns about the readiness of autonomous vehicle technology.
Tesla’s system—officially named Full Self-Driving (Supervised)—requires active driver supervision and issues escalating warnings if the driver does not respond. The company has repeatedly cautioned users that failure to comply could lead to serious injury or death.
While Tesla was not involved in the demonstration, this is not the first time its autonomous technology has drawn scrutiny.
In April 2024, a Tesla Model S using FSD was involved in a fatal accident in Washington State, in which a motorcyclist was killed.
The Dawn Project, whose founder Dan O’Dowd also leads a company developing competing driver-assistance software, has previously run campaigns highlighting perceived flaws in Tesla’s FSD system.
The incident comes amid anticipation surrounding Tesla’s new Cybercab, an all-electric, fully autonomous vehicle initially set for rollout on 22 June.
Chief Executive Elon Musk has since hinted at a delay, saying the company is “being super paranoid about safety” and suggesting the first vehicle to autonomously drive from the factory to a customer’s home could launch on 28 June.
Tentatively, June 22.
We are being super paranoid about safety, so the date could shift.
First Tesla that drives itself from factory end of line all the way to a customer house is June 28.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 11, 2025
As the debate around autonomous vehicle safety intensifies, the industry continues to face questions about whether current technology can meet the expectations—and responsibilities—of full autonomy.