BUSINESS

Tesla Full Self-Driving (Supervised) is back in the spotlight this week after yet another viral video shows a vehicle using the assisted driving tech doing something a human driver would probably never do under normal circumstances. On Monday, March 9, a video circulated of a Tesla with FSD engaged driving through a railroad crossing that had deployed its guard arms well before the Tesla arrived. The vehicle drove through the first guard arm at about 20 mph, slowed down on the tracks, and then drove through the second arm as the train approached.Tesla global deliveries by year2025: 1.22 million2024: 1.79 million2023: 1.81 million2022: 1.37 million2021: 936K2020: 499K2019: 367K
Source: Statista
It’s not the first time Tesla FSD has gone viral for the wrong reason. Last September, X user @HinrichsZane shared a video of his Model S traveling in the left lane with FSD engaged, going about 50 mph. Anticipating the ambulance’s approach, he filmed the driver’s side mirror to see how his Model S would react. It didn’t react well, seemingly not recognizing the ambulance had the right of way. “I let FSD go as long as I could before I took over and pulled over. Not a hater. FSD is amazing but nowhere near foolproof,” he said. SAE International (formerly the Society of Automotive Engineers) considers advanced driver assistance systems, such as GM Super Cruise and Tesla Full Self-Driving, to be Level 2 automation, which requires the driver to remain engaged.Anything Level 3 and above is considered truly “autonomous.” This means no human intervention is required when the system activates features such as lane assist and automatic braking.But that’s not what Tesla FSD is designed to do, and Monday’s viral video shows exactly why.

A recent incident involving Tesla Full-Self-Driving at a railroad crossing raises serious concerns.Leong/Washington Post via Getty Images

Tesla FSD ignores the railroad crossing, drives through the barrierOn Monday, Laushi Liu’s dashcam footage of the railroad incident spread across social media from his Threads account.Liu, with FSD enabled, makes a left turn and cruises towards the railroad crossing in West Covina, Calif., a few hundred feet ahead.Related: Viral Tesla FSD video shows why human drivers are a big problemBut instead of slowing down as the railroad track barriers deploy, the car cruises along at 25 mph and crashes through the barrier. It crawls to an almost-stop on the tracks before driving through the second barrier to safety.This isn’t the first time a Tesla has failed to stop at a railroad crossing. Last year, an NBC News investigation found that Tesla’s FSD often fails to stop at train crossings. The news service found 40 instances online since 2023 in which FSD mishandled railroad crossings, including failing to stop.NBC interviewed six Tesla drivers who had the same complaint, four of whom provided videos.The National Highway Traffic Administration told NBC that it has been “in communication” with Tesla about the issue. Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Autonomous vehicles are better than human drivers at some things, an insurance analyst saysWaymo, which is the most active of the U.S robotaxi options, says that compared to those with human drivers, its autonomous vehicles have been involved in 90% fewer crashes resulting in serious injuries. Auto insurance companies have a lot at stake with this new technology. Autonomous vehicles could change insurance pricing at the most minute level. The question is: Will it raise rates or lower them?Related: Tesla Robotaxi prices just jumped. Here is what riders pay nowRight now, the industry is in a wait-and-see pattern.“I don’t think they have the data yet to make that kind of assessment,” David Kidd, vice president for vehicle research at the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, told Bloomberg when asked which drivers are more likely to crash: autonomous or human. “Most insurers are extremely conservative, and they rely on historical data to assess risk accurately. There just isn’t enough information available yet.”Trent Victor, Waymo’s director of safety research and best practices, recently gave an interview saying much of the same. “There is not yet sufficient mileage to make statistical conclusions about fatal crashes alone,” he said.“As we accumulate more mileage, it will become possible to make statistically significant conclusions on other subsets of data, including fatal crashes as its own category.”Waymo vehicles have driven approximately 127 million miles across the fleet and have been involved in at least two fatal crashes, MSN reported. However, the autonomous vehicle was not directly found responsible for either of them. Human drivers average about 123 million car miles traveled for every fatality, according to the IIHS.So how can an AV company prove to IIHS that its vehicles are safer than human drivers?“It would depend upon the use case,” according to Kidd. “If a trucking company operates AVs on interstates between two hubs, and they’re able to do that with very infrequent crashes compared to truck drivers, then I would say they provide a substantial safety improvement in that environment. But I wouldn’t generalize to say that means automation is safer across the board. Those assessments need to be done on a case-by-case basis.”Related: Tesla gets some more good news from a key region

TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.Why we love this dealSpring cleaning doesn’t have to come with an endless chore list. Investing in new bedding with a whimsical print is an easy and fun way to refresh your home for the warmer months. No longer is minimalism the go-to aesthetic for interior decor. Instead, let your personality shine with bedding featuring a charming pattern that evokes a sense of cheer each time you catch a glance. Macy’s is making this dopamine-boosting investment more affordable with a limited-time deal on one of its top-rated sheet sets.Showcasing a fun and funky mushroom print, all sizes of the Arch Studio 4-Piece Printed Cotton Sateen Sheet Set are 70% off during a Last Act sale. Originally priced at $100, this nature-inspired bedding is now discounted to just $30 for the full and queen-size sets. The one downside to final sales is that they can’t be returned, but you will be getting the best bang for your buck with the lowest clearance prices.Arch Studio 4-Piece Printed Cotton Sateen Sheet Set, $30 (was $100) at Macy’s

Courtesy of Macy’s

If you’re not a fan of fungi, five other patterns for the Arch Studio 4-Piece Printed Cotton Sateen Sheet Set are available. While these other options aren’t part of the Last Act sale, they are marked down with 60% off, bringing the total cost of the full and queen-size bedding down to a budget-friendly $40. The $100 twin-size set and the $120 king-size set are on sale for $24 and $48, respectively.Arch Studio 4-Piece Printed Cotton Sateen Sheet Set, $40 (was $100) at Macy’s

Courtesy of Macy’s

Why do shoppers love it?With an impressive average rating of 4.5 out of five stars, the majority of shoppers have great things to say about these delightful sheets. Each four-piece set includes a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and two standard pillow cases, and displays an adorable pattern. The numerous designs, including gingham, stripes, cherries, hearts, and flowers, blend with a variety of styles, giving options for everyone, whether your bedroom vibe is farmhouse rustic, modern cottage, or vintage boho. These bed sheets are highly-rated because they offer more than just their pleasing pattern. Crafted with 100% cotton, these 250-thread-count sheets use a sateen fabric, so they feel silkier and smoother compared to traditional cotton sheets. They’ve also been Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified, which means rigorous testing has proven they’re safe from harmful substances. Another benefit of this material is that it’s durable and machine washable for easy care.Related: Walmart is selling a 3-piece table set for only $130 that’s exuding spring vibes with a pop of colorAccording to one shopper, these sheets get even softer after washing. “Soft, lightweight, and breathable cotton sheets that feel great right out of the package and improve after washing,” the reviewer wrote. They also called the bedding “a comfortable, affordable set that adds a charming touch to any bedroom.”Details to know Sizes available: Twin, full, queen, and king.Color options: All six colors are on sale for $40 or less.Material: 100% cotton.Is it machine-washable?: Yes.More than 140 customers have rated this bedding a perfect five stars, including one shopper who called it “the perfect cozy upgrade.” They appreciated the softness of the material, writing, “The fabric is incredibly soft and comfortable against the skin — it really is the perfect excuse to hop into bed early.”If this sheet set isn’t quite what you were looking for, Macy’s has other outstanding bedding deals to consider.Shop more dealsKaycie Gray Printed 3-Piece Microfiber Sheet Set, $38 (was $75) at Macy’sFairfield Square Collection Microfiber Extra Deep 4-Piece Sheet Set, $30 (was $60) at Macy’sCharter Club 550 Thread Count Cotton 3-Piece Sheet Set, $25 (was $70) at Macy’sRefresh your bedroom for spring with the Arch Studio 4-Piece Printed Cotton Sateen Sheet Set on sale for $40 or less at Macy’s. Select sizes and colors are already selling out, so don’t miss your chance to snag your favorite design.

As a vegetarian of more than 20 years, I understand why many plant-focused fast-food chains struggle. Personally, I don’t crave vegetarian food that tastes like meat, and I would only eat at such a chain when I’m traveling or don’t have time to prepare my own food. My experience reflects expert opinions shared with The Food Institute: Plant-based restaurants that try to mimic the McDonald’s and Burger Kings of the world may not realize that true vegetarians and vegans are not interested in meat-like menus, while most people who eat at burger chains have little interest in what is seen as a healthier alternative. As retail expert and TheStreet Co-Editor-in-Chief Daniel Kline recently pointed out: “Healthy fast food has always been a puzzle that very few, if any, brands have solved in the United States.” Successfully running a vegetarian and vegan fast-food chain remains a challenge, because despite the number of vegans growing every day, they still account for only about 1-2% of the world’s population, according to data from World Animal Foundation. Moreover, statistics from Psychology Today show that about 84% of vegetarians and vegans return to eating meat, suggesting that a plant-based diet might be too hard for many people to maintain throughout their entire lives. Pair all this information with the fact that even meat-serving restaurants are currently struggling, and there’s a perfectly solid explanation for why many plant-based chains have closed or gone bankrupt over the last few years. Why are vegetarian restaurants struggling? From hype to reality Before diving into vegetarian restaurants’ struggles, consider what’s happening in the larger U.S. restaurant industry.  Industry data show that nine in 10 restaurants cite food, labor, insurance, energy, and swipe fees as significant challenges, according to the National Restaurant Association. I previously explained why even traditional Italian restaurants are struggling as they face consumer trade-downs, volatile ingredient prices, and shifts in consumer preferences. Read more about it in my article Bankrupt national Italian restaurant chain closes more locations. Based on these and other industry reports, reasons why vegetarian restaurants are struggling include the following. Overall industry challenges: The current economic climate is challenging for any restaurant. In fact, 42% of operators reported that their restaurant was not profitable in 2025, according to data from the National Restaurant Association. High ingredient and labor costs: Specialized plant-based proteins and fresh, organic produce often carry a higher price tag than conventional wholesale meat. Additionally, producing vegan cheeses and proteins requires more intensive labor, resulting in more expenses, according to 2025 data from Alice and Friend’s Vegan Kitchen. Ultra-processed fatigue: Consumers are increasingly moving away from heavily engineered “fake meats” in favor of whole foods. “Growth [is] fueled by health, not hype. Clean-label, minimally processed whole foods are winning, while ultra-processed plant-based products are losing consumer trust. Protein interest in meat is growing 3x faster than plant-based alternatives, pushing brands toward authenticity over imitation,” according to Meati. Mainstream competition: McDonald’s McPlant experiment failed in the U.S. due to low demand, and its U.S. menu dropped salads, leaving very limited vegetarian choices, such as sandwiches customized to remove the meat. Still, chains including Chipotle and Taco Bell, which offer meat-based menu items alongside more appealing vegetarian options, create strong competition for chains that offer only vegetarian dishes. Chris Costagli, a food thought leader at NIQ, highlighted another challenge for plant-based brands, arguing that customers scrutinized their labels to discover unfamiliar ingredients, added sugars, or high sodium content, reported The Associated Press. In addition, U.S. retail sales of plant-based meat have dropped 26% over the last two years, according to data from NIQ. “There’s a lot of fillers and gums and texturizers and things that give those products a more familiar feel,” Costagli said. “I think as people have been paying closer and closer attention to what they’re actually ingesting, it’s causing some products to stumble.”Popular vegan and vegetarian chains that closed or downsized: Slutty Vegan: The chain shrank from 14 locations to only a handful, as its founder filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March 2026, according to AL. Neta Burger: A vegan burger chain backed by Leonardo DiCaprio and Formula 1 icon Lewis Hamilton closed all its U.S. locations in May.Planta: The plant-based food chain closed half its locations in September after a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing.Kevin Hart’s Hart House vegan fast food: Closed all Los-Angeles-area restaurants in September 2024, just two years after opening, according to Eater LA.Seabirds Kitchen: The vegan restaurant in Long Beach, Calif., closed in September 2024 after seven years, reported Eater LA. Veggie Grill: After closing 40% of its locations (12 stores) in late 2023, it was acquired in January 2024 to save it from bankruptcy, reported Food Institute. Giving Tree Cafe: A restaurant that served an entirely plant-based menu on Seventh Street near downtown Phoenix closed in late 2024 after five years of service, according to Phoenix New Times. Now, the latest vegetarian burger chain to join the group is Amy’s Drive Thru. 

Amy’s Drive-Thru differentiated itself as an all-vegetarian, organic concept that sold items such as burgers and pizzas.bluestork/Shutterstock

Amy’s Drive-Thru closes last freestanding location For more than 30 years, Amy’s Kitchen has been popular for its ready-made vegetarian meals sold at grocery stores. In 2015, the owners thought it was the right time to expand and enter the growing fast-food scene, so they opened their first brick-and-mortar restaurant right off Highway 101 in Rohnert Park, Calif. On March 8, Amy’s Drive-Thru closed its first and last standalone drive-thru location, reported Penn Live. More Restaurants Chipotle’s new consumer strategy raises eyebrowsBurger King revives iconic kids’ meal toys after 22 yearsWalmart surprises shoppers with bold new restaurant offering“After 10 incredible years, we’ve made the difficult decision to close Amy’s Drive Thru in Rohnert Park. Our last day will be March 8, 2026,” the restaurant shared on its Instagram page.In 2015 when it opened, the chain was a pioneer in the vegetarian space. “We weren’t even sure what any of this would look like, but we were a bit of a national sensation. There was a buzzy piece to us being the first of our kind in the fast food space,” President Paul Schiefer told Nation’s Restaurant News during a 2023 interview. Schiefer added that it differentiated itself as an all-vegetarian, organic concept that sold items like burgers and pizzas, “not just sprouts and hummus.”Before Schiefer’s appointment in 2023, Amy’s was planning to expand from four units to 25-30 within five years. The newly appointed president, however, changed the plan with the goal of concentrating on fundamentals, reported Nation’s Restaurant News.The beginning and the next chapter for Amy’s Kitchen It all started in 1987, when Rachel and Andy Berliner decided to found the company to create their own organic, vegetarian meals after failing to find high-quality, ready-made options while Rachel was pregnant on bed rest.The very next year, the company outgrew its home kitchen and opened its first full-sized facility in Sonoma County with eight employees, according to Amy’s. “From day one, our mission was simple: to serve delicious, organic food that everyone could enjoy. As the first organic, vegetarian drive thru in the nation, we’ve shared countless meals, smiles, and memories with you — and that’s something we’ll always be proud of,” reads the company’s farewell message on Instagram. In 2020, it became one of the first fast-food chains to receive B Corp certification, verifying its high standards of social and environmental performance, reported Food Business News. A number of longtime customers were sad to hear the news about the closure, sharing their feelings below the Instagram post. “Drove all the way over to have your food one last time today, almost started crying,” user allysonsadventures wrote. “Was so excited when you opened and have made the drive many times throughout the years. So incredibly sad about this. Your food has always been fantastic!” Saddened customers will be pleased to know that the company will continue to produce its Amy’s Kitchen’s organic frozen foods that can be found in 43,000 grocery stores across the  country. Its restaurant inside the San Francisco International Airport also continues to operate. “This chapter was defined by innovation and connection, and while it’s bittersweet to say goodbye, we’re proud of what it represented,” Schiefer wrote in a statement emailed to Nation’s Restaurant News. “As Amy’s approaches 40 years, we’ll continue to feed millions of people through our great products found in grocery stores nationwide.”  Related: Wendy’s targets new customer group amid mass U.S. store closures