The rise of autonomous vehicles has promised a future of convenient and safe transportation, but a recent incident at DFO Homebush in Sydney's west has raised serious questions about the reliability of this technology. In a scene that could have been lifted from a sci-fi thriller, a black Tesla, reportedly on 'autopilot', went on a collision course in a busy shopping centre car park, leaving shoppers in shock and questioning the safety of driverless cars.

The wild moment was captured on a driver's dash cam at approximately 9:55 am on Saturday, showing the Tesla T-boning an SUV, which spun out of control on the rooftop car park. The chaos didn't end there; the Tesla continued its erratic journey, striking the car equipped with the dash cam, and culminating in a loud crash as it breached the car park's barrier and plummeted to the level below.


Miraculously, the out-of-control vehicle landed on its wheels in the loading dock after crashing through the barrier. The occupants, a 59-year-old male driver and his 68-year-old female passenger, were trapped inside the vehicle. Bystanders rushed to their aid, with voices heard in phone footage yelling, 'help them out' and 'pull the door open.'


The pair were treated at the scene for chest pain before being transported to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital for further tests. Thankfully, no shoppers were injured during the incident, but the damage to the vehicles and the psychological impact on witnesses were significant.


NSW Police have stated that investigations are ongoing, and the Tesla will undergo an electronics check to determine the cause of the incident. While the autopilot feature in Tesla vehicles is designed to assist with driving tasks, it requires active driver supervision and is not intended to make the car fully autonomous.

This incident serves as a stark reminder that technology, no matter how advanced, is not infallible. It also highlights the importance of responsible usage of semi-autonomous driving features. As we navigate the transition to fully autonomous vehicles, it is crucial for drivers to remain engaged and ready to take control at any moment.

For our members at the Seniors Discount Club, many of whom are seasoned drivers, the idea of relinquishing control to a machine may be met with scepticism. It's essential to stay informed about the capabilities and limitations of new vehicle technologies, especially if considering a car with autonomous features.


We encourage our readers to share their thoughts on autonomous vehicles. Do you trust the technology? Have you had any experiences with semi-autonomous driving features? Join the conversation below and let us know how you feel about sharing the road with these high-tech cars.
As we continue to monitor the development and regulation of autonomous vehicle technology, we must prioritise safety and remain vigilant. The road ahead is indeed innovative, but as this incident at DFO Homebush demonstrates, we must proceed with caution.